Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week.Exact figures vary, but diseases resulting from acid reflux are the most common gut complaintTrusted Source seen by hospital departments in the United States.The American College of Gastroenterology says that over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and at least 15 million as often as daily.
GERD is most common in Western countries, affecting an estimated 20 to 30 percentTrusted Source of the population.Chronic heartburn can lead to serious complications.
Here are some key points about acid reflux. More detail is in the main article.
- Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis.
- It happens when some of the acidic stomach contents go back up into the esophagus.
- Acid reflux creates a burning pain in the lower chest area, often after eating.
- Lifestyle risk factors include obesity and smoking.
- Drug treatments are the most common therapy and are available on prescription and over the counter (OTC).
Acid reflux is when some of the acid content of the stomach flows up into the esophagus, into the gullet, which moves food down from the mouth. Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.
