Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter remains closed except when you swallow. This prevents the passage of food and acid from your stomach into your esophagus. If the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened or relaxed, stomach acid may back up into your esophagus. Frequent acid reflux can irritate and inflame the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms of heartburn. Some cases of heartburn occur when a portion of the stomach extends through the diaphragm. This is called hiatal hernia.
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