Your stomach is filled with acid. Its purpose is to help digest the food you eat. Your stomach is built to handle it. Your esophagusThe tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. isn’t.

So when acid backs up into your esophagus, it can cause the burning sensation known as heartburnThe most common symptom of acid reflux disease (also known as gastroespohageal reflux disease, or GERD). Heartburn feels like a burning pain in the center of the chest. It is caused by acid from the stomach backing up into the esophagus..

Almost everyone has occasional heartburn. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have acid refluxBackflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux frequently happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes more often than it should and/or at inappropriate times. This allows harsh stomach juices to back up into the esophagus. disease (GERD). Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter – the valve separating the esophagus and stomach—does not close properly, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. In short, acid reflux disease is chronic heartburn.

The Bad News.
Acid reflux disease is a chronic condition and may lead to more serious medical conditions. Acid reflux, over time, can even wear away or erode the lining of your esophagus. This condition is called erosive esophagitis (EE)Erosion of the lining of the esophagus from acid reflux disease. This occurs in some patients with acid reflux disease when the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid over a period of time. Only your doctor can determine whether you have this condition, usually by upper endoscopy.. Only a doctor can tell you if you have this damage.

The Great News.
Acid reflux is treatable and you should ask your doctor what treatments are available and right for you. NEXIUM can provide 24-hour relief from your painful heartburn symptoms and it can heal erosions in the esophagus that acid reflux may cause. Your results may vary.