Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
16 Tips to Tame Heartburn
Why Heartburn Happens
Why Heartburn Happens
When the esophageal sphincter, the rubber band–like muscles that open and close to allow food into pass into the stomach, become weakened or relaxed, allowing stomach acid to “reflux” into the throat. Occasional heartburn is common, but if you experience symptoms several times a week, you may have GERD. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially if the remedies mentioned here don't give you any relief.
By Katherine Solem. Katherine is a health writer and editor living in San Francisco. Published September 9, 2010. Updated August 5, 2015.
Reviewed by Shira Goldenholz, MD, MPH on August 3, 2015.
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