Acid reflux disease is often mistaken for heartburn. Heartburn actually has nothing to do with your heart. It only feels that way sometimes because the esophagus is located behind the heart. But if these heartburn symptoms begin to occur frequently, you need to consult your physician for advice.

Acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a medical condition where the lower esophageal sphincter (referred to as LES - the muscular ring at the lower end of the esophagus, which normally opens and closes allowing food to enter and also prevents the acid in your stomach from refluxing into your esophagus) relaxes more often or at inappropriate times, permitting the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or reflux into the esophagus, where it does not belongs, thereby causing severe uneasiness.

Excessive eating or leaning forward after eating occasionally causes heartburn. Occasional heartburn does not imply you suffer from acid reflux disease. In GERD, the reflux and heartburn usually lasts longer and occurs more regularly.

Acid reflux is a common condition and the most recurrent cause of indigestion worldwide. Acid reflux disease, as a diagnosis, should only be made if these symptoms persist continually and hinder your normal lifestyle due to severe, chronic discomfort over extended periods of time. Generally, if you experience heartburn two or more times a week for at least twelve weeks, there’s a good possibility that your diagnosis would be Acid reflux disease or GERD.

Consequences

Mild acid reflux disease or GERD may cause some irritation, soreness, or wearing away of the lining of the esophagus. This state is called esophagitis.

But advanced acid reflux disease can also lead to more serious medical complications that may require hospitalization. Acid reflux in the throat causes sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the enamel of the teeth and speeds up tooth decay.

Chronic acid reflux disease may result in severe inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. Acid reflux disease can even wear away (erode) the lining of your esophagus or cause Erosive Esophagitis. It may also cause narrowing of the esophagus and even bleeding from the esophagus. Acid reflux disease may give rise to respiratory problems, such as a persistent cough, asthma, or pneumonia. It may also cause structural changes of the lungs or voice box - larynx.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will require your a medical history and then perform a physical examination. If acid reflux disease is suspected, the physician may prescribe medicines such as acid reducers to treat acid reflux disease indications, without performing any further tests. If the symptoms respond to these medications, you will be diagnosed as suffering from acid reflux disease.

Other tests that may be performed to diagnose acid reflux disease or GERD include:

a) Endoscopy – This test allows the physician to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach using an endoscope.
b) Esophagus testing – This test is combination of tests that evaluates the condition and performance of the esophagus.
c) Upper gastrointestinal series – This test permits the doctor to examine the upper portion of your digestive system.