Acid reflux is a physical condition where the contents of the stomach—including acid—back up (or reflux) into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach). That can lead to heartburn and other acid reflux disease symptoms that are your body's way of telling you that something might be wrong. Stomach acid, which helps you digest food, is usually not a problem when it stays where it belongs—in your stomach.
Why does stomach acid travel where it doesn't belong?
Between your esophagus and your stomach there is a natural barrier, or "valve," called the
lower esophageal sphincter (LES). For most people, the LES works just fine. But for some people with acid reflux disease, this valve does not always work the way it should for 2 reasons:
- it relaxes too frequently
- it is too weak
Why does stomach acid damage my esophagus?
The lining of your stomach is built to handle stomach acid, the lining of your esophagus is not. It can protect itself for a while, but when acid comes in contact with this lining for an extended period of time, it can lead to damage. This is what you may experience as heartburn and other painful or uncomfortable symptoms.
If left untreated, acid reflux disease may even cause damage (erosions) to the lining of the esophagus, a condition known as erosive esophagitis. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
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