It's estimated that 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by a digestive disease. While that includes everything from chronic constipation to inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis, research shows that acid reflux is the most commonly diagnosed of all. And whether it's due to a physiological reason or the fact that women are more diligent about visiting the doctor, women are diagnosed with GI conditions—including acid reflux—more often than men.
The proper name for acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER happens when your stomach's contents move back up toward your esophagus, causing an array of uncomfortable symptoms. It's extremely common for anyone to experience this on occasion, according to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But if it happens regularly—more than twice a week for a few weeks—it could be a sign that you have a chronic condition called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD affects 20 percent of the U.S. population. It's caused by a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is supposed to close after allowing food to pass through to the stomach, but when it doesn't, stomach acid can flow back up where it's not supposed to be. Over time, GERD can cause damage to the esophagus, including precancerous changes, or lead to respiratory problems like pneumonia, laryngitis, and asthma, so it's important to get treated.
Though some people are most at risk—pregnant women, smokers, and those who are overweight or obese—acid reflux and GERD can happen to anyone. Here are the most common signs to look out for.
