There are a multitude of symptoms and health problems caused by acid reflux disease but the cause of this sometimes painful disease is somewhat misunderstood. Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) it is becoming a much more common diagnosis in doctor's offices.

Acid reflux disease causes its symptoms and complications because gastric acids and stomach contents are regurgitated back into the esophagus. This is what causes the pain and discomfort. Left untreated those stomach acids can also damage the esophageal lining which has no protection against its corrosive effects.

This is where people sometimes become confused as to what exactly causes GERD. The reflux of stomach acids and contents back into the esophagus cause the symptoms of acid reflux disease. The fact that gastric acids are being regurgitated back into the esophagus, a place they aren't supposed to enter, leads us to a failure of one of or all three esophageal sphincters that are supposed to prevent this backwash from happening in the first place.

These three barriers include the anti-reflux barrier (ARB), the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the gastroesophageal valve (GEV). IF any of these three barriers weaken or fail they can no longer keep stomach acids from flowing back up into the esophagus. This process is further magnified when large amounts of excess stomach acid are secreted because of diet, stress, or illness.

The first GERD caused symptom most people notice is heartburn or pressure just beneath the heart. As the condition gets progressively worse the symptoms will include a acrid or biter taste at the back of the throat that can be accompanied by a painful burning sensation. There can also be nausea, most likely in the morning, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain that may feel like an impending heart attack. Any chest pain needs to be quickly checked by a doctor to rule out heart issues.

The medical complications caused by acid reflux can range from the relatively benign to life threatening, which is why it is important to seek medical treatment if you think you may be suffering from this disease. Esophagitis, which is an inflammation of the esophagus, is caused by acid damage to the lining of the throat. Gastric acids can also damage the larynx which can cause hoarseness and loss of voice.

Barrett's esophagus is a condition that occurs as the lower section of the esophagus becomes more and more damaged. As it progresses this condition changes the cellular structure of the esophagus which heightens the risk for the development of esophageal cancer.

The symptoms and complications that acid reflux disease causes are many and if left untreated can have life altering consequences. If you think you may suffer from GERD it is time to see your doctor to be properly diagnosed and treated. The sooner you can catch it the better your long term outcome.