05/25/2022
Heartburn is a common health problem for millions of Americans. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology estimates that more than 60 million people in America have acid reflux at least once a month.
In most cases, acid reflux is a mild, temporary feeling of discomfort that comes on occasionally after eating a large meal or spicy foods. Occasionally, it can develop into a potentially more serious problem called gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
People who have GERD generally experience acid reflux more than twice a week. If the condition is allowed to go untreated, it can cause inflammation in the esophagus, leading to esophagitis. This is a potentially serious condition that causes difficulty and pain when swallowing. It can also cause a narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding, and can lead to Barrett’s Esophagus, which is a precancerous condition.