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What is Acid Reflux?
The term "reflux" originates from the Medieval Latin word refluxus. This came from the Latin word refluere, which meant "to flow back or to recede". When you experience acid reflux; the acids from your stomach "flows backwards" into your esophagus, which causes the agony and the discomfort. This sensation is also sometimes known as heartburn. The entrance of your stomach has a valve that is a ring of muscles; named the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Usually, the LES shuts when food goes past it. However, if the LES opens too often or doesn't close all the way the acid generated in your stomach will move into your esophagus. When this happens symptoms such as a burning, belching or chest pain can occur. When acid reflux symptoms happen at least twice a week; you have acid reflux disease, which is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As we eat, food goes through the esophagus and flows into the stomach. The cells that coat the stomach make acid as well as other chemicals that assist it in digesting the food you have consumed. Stomach cells make mucus that defends it against harm that could be caused by the acid it also generates. The cells lining the esophagus are dissimilar and have little defense from acid.
There is a round band of muscle called the sphincter at the intersection of the esophagus and stomach. These muscles loosen up to permit food down, but then usually contract to stop food and acid from seeping back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux is an unending condition that permits an individuals liquid stomach content; including stomach acids, pepsin, and bile to back up into the esophagus. An average healthy person will also sometimes experience acid reflux. |
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