Living With Acid Reflux

Acid reflux usually occurs when a donut shaped muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t operate properly. Normally, the LES prevents the backflow of acid by tightening up after swallowing. However, when people have acid reflux, the LES becomes relaxed and weak, which allows acid and the stomach [...]

After eating a big plate of spicy tacos you start to feel the painful, burning sensation erupting from your gut and making its way into your throat. The spicy flavor of the tacos has turned sour and bitter.
Does this sound like a familiar story to you? Do you expect this experience every time you [...]

1. Myth: “Heartburn can be cured by eating a bland diet.”
A bland diet isn’t really bad for heartburn sufferers. It may actually make them feel better. However, the bland diet alone does not cure heartburn that is caused by Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

 
2. Myth: “Heartburn is caused by excess acid.”
The acid level in [...]

Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition, voice tone changes may occur, particularly upon wakening in the morning. Hoarseness is typical and is the result of acid irritating the vocal cords. The following are GERD associated complications that are serious and require immediate medical attention:

Esophageal stricture: A narrowing of [...]

Sometimes called acid regurgitation; acid reflux is a fairly common condition in which stomach acid seeps backward up into the esophagus, which results in symptoms such as a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or more commonly a burning feeling in the chest (heartburn). These symptoms often last several hours after a meal and [...]