Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results when gastric
acid, food, and liquid from the stomach chronically flow up into
the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).
GERD is caused by a weakness or transient relaxation of the
lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. The LES sits at the
juncture between the esophagus and the stomach. When you eat,
food and liquid travel down the esophagus to the stomach. Once
they arrive, the resting tone of the LES helps keep stomach
contents from refluxing or moving backward into the esophagus.
But when the LES is weakened, it does not work properly. Stomach
contents may reflux into the esophagus, which can cause the
burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. While most
Americans suffer from heartburn at one time or another, millions
Americans suffer from chronic GERD. Possible long-term
complications of GERD include esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus,
esophageal narrowing, and cancer of the esophagus.What are the
risk factors for GERD/heartburn