GERD, more commonly known as heartburn or acid reflux disease, occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (the group of muscles at the bottom of the oesophagus) malfunctions, allowing food content to reverse back into the oesophagus. This then irritates the lining of the oesophagus.
Causes of GERD may include a weakened oesophagus muscle, hiatal hernia, or unusually frequent spontaneous relaxations of the muscle. Lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, intake of spicy food, or other digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers may cause GERD.
GERD affects about 15% of the total population, and is a condition that should not be ignored as severe medical complications may arise if treatment is not promptly sought.
Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate the discomfort, which may include antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or H2-receptor blockers. A change in lifestyle and dietary habits may be recommended.