Acid reflux is the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus,
the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It
may cause burning pain in the esophagus. Acid reflux may occur
because of weakness in the ring of muscle (lower esophageal
sphincter, or LES) that controls the flow of food from the
esophagus into the stomach. Frequent acid reflux can lead to
irritation of the esophagus (esophagitis), narrowing of the
esophagus, or development of sores (ulcers) in the esophagus.
Long-term exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid causes the
cells that line the inside of the esophagus to be replaced by
cells similar to those that line the inside of the stomach
(Barrett's esophagus). eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from
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