Heartburn, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is known, is caused by the coincidence of two medical conditions. The first condition contributing to acid reflux disease is the backward flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Nonetheless, the reflux does not always result in symptoms of acid reflux disease or changes in the organic tissues, and can happen in healthy individuals as well, when it is referred to as "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux".



The next factor provoking acid reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circle of muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. When acid reflux disease occurs, the stomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut correctly. This is then called acid reflux disease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow.

Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the throat or the chest, when the contents of the stomach escapes back to the esophagus lining. The usual sensation connected to acid reflux disease is persistent (twice or week or more frequently) heartburn. Occasional heartburn can happen also. This is not necessarily a sign of acid reflux disease, as minor reflux can also happen to individuals in good health.

Other sufferers of acid reflux disease may also feel chest-pains or suffer from coughs, hoarseness in the morning, vocal changes, problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods), lasting earache, burning pains in the chest, nausea or sinusitis. Some sufferers describe sensations of food being stuck, choking or tightness in the throat. This is caused by the continual flow back of stomach contents in contact with the esophagus, resulting in swelling of the esophagus due scars from histological damage.

Some patients can become affected by a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where cells occurring in the esophageal lining assume abnormal forms and colors. Particularly in adults aged over 60, this is a first step towards cancer of the esophagus. Other effects include stricture of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When acid from the stomach reaches the trachea as well as the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can follow. Acid reflux disease that is not treated in a timely way can have serious consequences detrimental to health.

Surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy are the three choices for dealing with acid reflux disease. The latter comprises diet and lifestyle modifications as well as taking of specific herbal supplements. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of acid reflux disease. While one can use prescriptions of medicaments or acid blockers such as these, remember that the effects are often not permanent and that conventional medication can be accompanied by severe side effects. The use of surgery needs to be very carefully thought about, as certain hidden problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can cause complications.

GERD, taking a holistic view, is a warning signal of a lack of internal equilibrium of consequence that must be properly dealt with. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, modifications in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic program are the preferred choice for sufferers of acid reflux.