Heartburn is the common name for GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Here we are going to give you some advice to prevent heartburn (GERD) and relieve the symptoms of this unpleasant condition.

Why Does Heartburn Occur?

GERD, occurs when enzymes and stomach acid escape the stomach and rise into the esophagus.

Unlike the stomach, which is protected by a thick layer of mucus, the esophagus is susceptible to damage due to the strong digestive juices in the stomach and may be damaged over time.

More specifically, the GERD effect happens when the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is weakened and the pressure between the stomach and esophagus is uneven.

Why is heartburn so unpleasant?

When the pressure in the stomach is too high or the pressure in the esophagus is too low, with the sphincter is relaxed, the stomach acid can flow backward, up into the esophagus.

This is always experienced as an unpleasant burning sensation that gradually travels upward from the stomach into the throat, along with a sour, bitter taste in the mouth.

The stomach digestive liquids can also reach the upper esophagus and trachea, causing or worsening a variety of conditions, such as asthma, chronic cough, sinusitis (swelling of the sinuses), pneumonia, and other.

What are the causes?

GERD can be caused by any number of reasons, but generally the list includes (but is not limited to) the following:

Side effects of certain medications, obesity, pregnancy, menopause, inherited traits, large and too frequent meals,poor dietary habits, smoking, surgical or other damage to the lower esophageal sphincter, esophagitis, and reclining too soon after a meal.

Quite naturally you must see your doctor if you have this condition, and if it persists more than a single occasion once in a while.

The taking of over-the-counter antacid remedies can actually worsen the problem by weakening the digestive process (due to the medication