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One of the most common disorders in America today is GERD. Heartburn is not an alien phenomenon to any person and every American, whether young or old, has experienced it some time or the other.

While heartburn is a fairly common occurrence, it becomes a serious problem if it occurs two or three times a week. Chronic heartburn is a far more grave issue carrying with it the threat of esophageal inflammation or cancer.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is the result of stomach acid being refluxed into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular pipe that connects the throat to the stomach. At the lower end of the esophagus is a valve known as lower esophageal sphincter or LES whose function it is to keep the stomach opening closed, relaxing only to permit food to enter the stomach while ensuring that the stomach contents do not back up into the esophagus. In some people the LES is weak and relaxes spontaneously causing acid reflux into the esophagus. This causes a sensation of heartburn. Chronic heartburn can result in ulceration of the lining of the esophagus and cause a condition known as Erosive Esophagitis(EE) which can be a painful affair.

Reflux that occurs during the day is milder compared with night time reflux as the acid is in contact with the esophagus for a longer period of time. Barrett$%:s esophagus is a condition where the cells in the esophagus are replaced by cells more resistant to the corrosive nature of the acid but the problem is that these cells could turn cancerous.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is when the refluxed acid comes all the way past the esophagus and into the throat. The back of the nasal passages and the throat are very delicate and cannot sustain this acid attack and can cause long term airway problems, ear infections, hoarseness and sinusitis. Laryngopharyngeal reflux, more common among infants due to the shorter esophagus, can cause laryngospasms which is the closing of the vocal cord to prevent aspiration of the refluxed acid into the wind pipe. This can be horrifying for the child as well as the parents as the airways are also shut and breathing becomes impossible.

Thankfully GERD in all its various hues can be treated with antacids, prescribed medications and lifestyle and dietary changes.

GERD can be a silent killer in it$%:s many varied forms and it is important to get an early diagnosis and get treatment as soon as possible. So don$%:t brush away that heartburn as just another everyday affair.