Acid reflux disease is a result of stomach acid that simply doesn't stay where it is supposed to... in the stomach. Instead of staying in the stomach the wayward gastric acid decides to back flow up the esophagus and back into the mouth.

Leaving a wickedly bitter taste, this stomach acid on a reverse course can actually leaves pockets of erosive destruction in its wake. Erosive esophagitis is a result of the destruction of the lining of the esophagus.

At least three months of painful, persistent and frequent heartburn, can earn you a diagnosis of acid reflux disease.

Heartburn is the quiet gentle cousin of its more aggressive and destructive family member acid reflux disease. Bubbling stomach acid regurgitates from the stomach sending the gastric juices back into the throat via the esophagus. It is the bubbling stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus that causes the characteristic burn of acid reflux disease.

The lower esophageal sphincter, LES, is the valve separating the esophagus and the stomach, is designed to be the gatekeeper of the stomach and is meant to keep the stomach acids in the stomach where they belong.

However, when the LES fails at its ever so well designed job, the stomach acids back flow.

The LES can fail through a couple of different ways, such as through relaxation of the sphincter, often associated with a hiatal hernia, and through incomplete closing of the sphincter.

The body is so perfectly designed that the LES is a working valve that opens to let food into the stomach and is meant to close to keep the acids out of the esophagus.

It just happens that when it fails, acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, can be the result. So basically if the LES would do its job and keep the valve open when it's supposed to be open and closed when it's supposed to be closed then acid reflux disease would really be a thing of the past!

The good news is that you don't have to put up with heartburn on overdrive. There are many treatment options available for the relief of this pestering and chronic disease.

Acid reflux disease doesn't have to control your life! Talk with your healthcare provider today and get started on the road to better health.

Show that heartburn just who's the boss!