Acid reflux is the back flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. These contents irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn. The esophagus is a tube that transports food into the stomach, it has a sphincter at its lower end which prevents reflux. Relaxation of this sphincter is the main factor responsible for this disease. Many foods and drugs relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
Fatty meals and nitrates are common causes. Other factors include smoking, coffee, chocolate, orange juice, obesity and tight clothes.
Acid reflux is also called GERD (G: gastro, E: esophageal, R: reflux and D: disease).
Labels: What is acid reflux?
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