Definition: Gastro-oesophageal reflux (often referred to as heartburn) is a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or 'reflux' into the gullet (oesophagus).

Welcome to Reflux Info...

... a website that aims to give a wealth of resources about heartburn or acid reflux. Enclosed within, you will find many articles and products of about this very common and at times uncomfortable condition. These cover areas of modern medicine as well as more alternative ones. Much of the enclosed information on heartnurn and related issues is taken from external sources for which thanks are given. Before continuing, please read the disclaimer.

The resources contained within are not designed as a substitute for seeking professional medical advice should you need to do so. Rather they are intended that the information presented within will assist you in making informed decisions, in cooperation with your doctor, as to the most suitable treatment to use in your fight against this heartburn/acid relfux.

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I'm sure you'll find many things of interest within RefluxInfo.me.uk and I wish you all the best in your quest to overcome or alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux and its related ailments.

Thanks for visiting

Alistair Hamilton

Extract from Wkipedia: "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD; or GORD when spelling oesophageal, the BE form) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus[1].

"This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), transient LES relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or association with a hiatal hernia.

"Heartburn is the major symptom of acid in the esophagus, characterized by a burning discomfort behind the breastbone (sternum). Findings in GERD include esophagitis (reflux esophagitis) — inflammatory changes in the esophageal lining (mucosa) — strictures, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and chronic chest pain. Patients may have only one of those findings. Atypical symptoms of GERD include cough, hoarseness, changes of the voice, chronic ear ache, acute sharp chest pains, or sinusitis. Complicatons of GERD include stricture formation, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal ulcers and possibly even lead to esophageal cancer.

"Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Patients that have heartburn symptoms more than once a week are at risk of developing GERD. A hiatal hernia is usually asymptomatic, but the presence of a hiatal hernia is a risk factor for development of GERD."

This website is not designed as a substitute for seeking professional medical advice should you need to do so. Rather it is intended that the information presented within will assist you in making informed decisions, in cooperation with your doctor, as to the most suitable treatment to use in your fight against heartburn/acid reflux.