Acid Reflux Disease commonly called ‘heart burn’, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus.  It’s annoying and painful. 

But you want to know the truth, the reflux of the stomach’s liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. However, when heartburn becomes acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, it is a real problem. That is because with GERD, the acid is stronger and stays in the esophagus longer causing more discomfort.

Symptoms are often milder during the daytime when you are upright, sitting straight, or standing. Your body handles this reflux with gravity causing the fluid to flow back down into your stomach. You also swallow more during the daytime therefore draining the acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that contains bicarbonate which acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.

At night though, you may have a greater problem when acid reflux disease occurs that is because while sleeping, gravity does not work as well lying down, your constant swallowing stops, and the production of saliva is reduced.

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