GERD is the more clinical name of Acid Reflux. It includes the burning sensation in your throat, chest and in the most basic of terms it used to be called heartburn. What is becoming known now is that what was thought to be a simple case of heartburn is not being fingered as the cause of esophageal cancers and bleeding ulcers and such. GERD is not your grandfather's heartburn.

So exactly what is GERD? GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a condition in which the digestive acids from the stomach reverse though the lower esophageal sphincter and into the esophagus. The Esophagus is the 'tube' which carries food into the stomach. The function of the lower esophageal sphincter is to restrict the stomach and contain the digestive acids into the stomach. It acts as a value to keep everything flowing in the proper direction. Over time that muscle may weaken and thus the reverse flow does occur causing and contributing to GERD or Acid Reflux Disorder.

If left untreated GERD can lead to far more complicated and severe conditions. The esophagus is comprised of three layers. They are the outer fibrous layer, the middle smooth muscle and the inner membrane of small glands. The Stomach enzymes as they flow backward weaken the lining and allowing for other problems to creep in.

Long-term untreated symptoms of GERD can lead to complications with the worst case being an esophagectomy, the removal of the esophagus surgically.

GERD can also occur in children with the manifestations to appear differently than adults. Signs like chronic coughing, frequent infections, gasping while sleeping and frequent vomiting can be signs where you need to alert your doctor.

So what are your treatment options? There are several treatments options available to you and they are of a wide variety. There are such things as the over-the-counter antacids, calcium tablets are most common. There are many prescriptions drugs. Gaining favor are homeopathic remedies for acid reflux or GERD and then of course there are the more radical surgical options that should only be considered when all other options have been exhausted. As with all surgical recommendations, you should seek a second opinion if you are advised to have surgery without trying other treatments for GERD.

If you choose a more holistic route calcium, magnesium and potassium have all shown to have an alkalizing, or antacid type effect that helps stop backward flow of the stomach acid. Also Aloe Vera also shows to have great healing properties in general show also show to the healing of the intestinal tract.

GERD should be taken seriously where as the potential for harsh health problems are very real for GERD suffers.