The most common symptom of acid reflux disease (also known as gastroespohageal reflux disease, or GERD) . Heartburn feels like a burning pain in the center of the chest. It is caused by acid from the stomach backing up into the esophagus.
Normally, a "gate" (the lower esophageal sphincter) opens when you swallow and closes when food passes. In patients with acid reflux disease, heartburn usually gets worse after they eat, or when they lie down or bend over.

Acid reflux

Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux frequently happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes more often than it should and/or at inappropriate times. This allows harsh stomach juices to back up into the esophagus.

Who Gets Heartburn?

• As many as 20% to 30% of Americans experience heartburn at least once a month
• About 7% of adults in the United States experience daily heartburn, which may mean they have acid reflux disease
  

If you're like a lot of people, you may be suffering persistently from heartburn and other symptoms on two or more days a week even if you're taking medicine.

And, like many people, you might be blaming yourself. Maybe you think it's because you ate a favorite food or played an extra round of golf. Well, let's get one thing straight right from the start...

It may not be your fault!

If you're suffering from heartburn two or more days a week, you may have a real medical problem called acid reflux disease (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), which you should discuss with your health care professional. Although some foods or activities may make symptoms worse, they are not the cause of acid reflux disease.

So, if you make some changes in diet or lifestyle, there is a chance you might feel better, but most of the time you won't — because these types of changes don't affect the real cause of the problem. You may even be taking heartburn medicine but still may not be getting all the relief you could. For some people, acid reflux disease can have potentially serious consequences, so it's important to make sure you're getting the treatment regimen that's right for you.

You should ask your health care professional about a prescription medicine called PRILOSEC. PRILOSEC is indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.