The word “reflux” comes from the Medieval Latin word refluxus which comes from the Latin word refluere, meaning “to flow back, to recede”. If you suffer from acidic burn the acids from your stomach “flow back” into your esophagus, causing pain and agony – this discomfort is sometimesknown as heartburn.
What’s the esophagus?
In simple terms, the esophagus is the tube between the belly and the pharynx, which is at the rear of your throat. According to Medilexicon’s Medical compendium, “the esophagus is the portion of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and stomach. It is about 25-cm long and consists of 3 parts : the cervical part, from the cricoid cartilage to the thoracic inlet ; the thoracic part, from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm ; and the abdominal part, below the diaphragm to the cardiac opening of the stomach.”

The esophageal sphincter lies at the junction where the stomach and the esophagus join. Your stomach produces robust acids and enzymes ( gastric juices ) which are employed in food digestion. The inner liner of your stomach has several mechanisms to guard itself from the results of the gastric juices on itself, but the liner of the esophagus doesn’t. There is a valve that stops the gastric juices from going up the esophagus – it is known as the lower esophageal sphincter.

When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened gastric juices can seep upwards into the esophagus.

Most of us have acid reflux Problems now and again. In majority of cases this is safe. If the difficulty becomes obstinate and goes untreated, the heartburn can develop into GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux disease ). In prolonged and severe cases the esophagus can become scarred – the patient might have difficulty swallowing, and the risk of developing carcinoma of the esophagus increases seriously.
What’s the difference between acid burn and heartburn?
Acid reflux is the action, while heartburn is the sensation. The agony is heartburn, while the movement of acid into the esophagus from the stomach is acid reflux.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

• reflux
• heartburn
• acid reflux

What causes acid reflux?
acidic reflux commonly happens when the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) doesn’t work properly, and allows acid to seep upwards from the stomach to the esophagus. Although we all know a faulty LES is a common cause, weare not sure why it becomes faulty. One of the many reasons could be that pressure in the stomach rises higher than the LES can withstand.