Acid reflux disease, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is when stomach acid refluxes and touches the lining of the esophagus, which causes a feeling of burning in the chest or throat. This is referred to as heartburn. Whenever that acid makes its way to the back of the mouth it is referred to as acid indigestion. The occasional case of heartburn is pretty common and does not necessarily mean someone has GERD. On the other hand, if you are having heartburn symptoms more than twice a week it may be a case of GERD, which can eventually provoke more critical health complications. Acid Reflux Disease can cause erosive esophagitis, which is an ailment that causes redness, soreness, even swelling of the esophagus. Over 50% of patients have a non-erosive class of GERD, which is referred to as Nonerosive Reflux Disease (NERD). NERD causes the patient to feel the same symptoms of GERD without the visible injury to the esophagus.
GERD is usually treated by a doctor using proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. Still, there are patients who experience the symptoms despite the treatment. Under these circumstances, the patients are diagnosed with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Refactory GERD). Patients who have Refractory GERD either need more combative treatment, alternative treatment, or they simply have another condition which is causing of their reflux symptoms, such as gall stones.