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Persistent acid reflux can erode the lining of the oesophagus and increase the risk of developing oesophagal adenocarcinoma. [iStockphoto]
That burning feeling creeping from the stomach into the chest or throat is familiar to many people. When acid reflux happens repeatedly and becomes troublesome, it may be gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the oesophagus, the tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. This happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter, a muscular valve that normally keeps stomach contents down, relaxes or becomes weak at the wrong time.
Repeated exposure to stomach contents can irritate the oesophagus and cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, coughing or problems with swallowing.
