Acid reflux disease (GERD) is often mistaken for occasional heartburn because heartburn is its most common symptom. But unlike occasional heartburn, the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux disease usually occur 2 or more days a week for at least 3 months and can damage your esophagus.

Acid reflux disease occurs when the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is frequent enough to impact your daily life and/or damage the esophagus. At the top of your stomach is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally opens and closes allowing food to enter. It also prevents the acid in your stomach from backing up into your esophagus. With GERD, the LES opens at inappropriate times, allowing acid from the stomach to get into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong.

Acid reflux disease can also lead to more serious medical conditions that require hospitalization and even surgery. In some acid reflux patients, acid can be regurgitated into the lungs, causing wheezing or cough. Acid reflux in the throat can cause sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the enamel of the teeth.

Millions of people have the disease and suffer from its most common symptom - frequent and persistent heartburn. Acid reflux disease can be treated and controlled.

Taking medicine as prescribed and making relevant changes to your lifestyle can help you work toward relieving your symptoms and maintaining a healthy digestive system.