Heartburn/GERD

Frequent or chronic heartburn is a common problem among American adults. About 15 to 30 percent of men and women between the ages of 25 to 50 suffer from chronic heartburn.

Heartburn is caused by a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux, which is the backup of stomach acids into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux may occur frequently when the valve-like mechanism between the esophagus and stomach does not fulfill its function of keeping the stomach acids in place.