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There's most commonly a very personal story behind the question "what is acid reflux?" I say that because those who have a very real reason to believe that they may be suffering from the complaint are the ones who pose the question.

Most commonly they may believe that they are suffering with a bout of heartburn and this has been going on for a seemingly extended period. The end result is stomach acid seeping into the esophagus. The potent stomach liquids are pushed into the esophagus and hence the delicate lining is not designed to cope with industrial strength acid that belongs in the stomach.

During your research, and while asking, "what is acid reflux decease?" for that is what you are most likely doing right now; you also come across the term "gastroesophageal reflux disease" and the acronym "GERD".

A few weeks ago I visited a good friend of mine and I had the occasion told him just how tired he looked on that day. I thought that he had been overworking lately but his wife joined the conversation and continued to tell me that he had just spent the last night in hospital with a suspected heart attack. During the night he had experienced severe chest pains and in the end he had to call the emergency services, believing he was suffering from a heart attack.

It turned out to be a severe case of heartburn and the doctors told him that the symptoms were very similar. That's the case; actually some of the symptoms of acid reflux decease are similar to a heart attack.

What is acid reflux? The esophagus, or what you might commonly refer to as the throat, joins the stomach; you will find a restricting valve known as the lower esophagus sphincter. The purpose of this valve is to prevent stomach acid seeping into the esophagus. It's a one-way traffic system that permits food into the stomach and prevents acid leaving the stomach. For a variety of reason, stomach acid may occasionally find its way past the lower esophagus sphincter. The guarding sentinel is known to give way on occasions. The sensitive ling of the esophagus is then irritated to cause severe pain in the lower chest area. That is why there is sometimes a mistake and people think that it's a heart attack.

No matter if you find yourself with severe chest pains call the emergency services and let them tell you that it's simply acid reflux. While you're there you may want to ask the medical staff the same question: "what is acid reflux?"

You will find that the symptoms of acid reflux can be considerably worsened when in a lying down position, such as when you are in bed. That is why people complain more about it during the night than at any other time. That is why some many restless nights are experienced and why my friend looked so tired while I visited him. In fact the acid reflux will occur at any time of day but lets be thankful for our old friend gravity. Not only does it prevent the human race flying off into outer space to meet our maker but also it keeps stomach acid where it is meant to be - in the stomach.

I'm sure that you'd like to know more about acid reflux and how you can help yourself to combat the complaint then visit http://www.treatacid.com