Gastric reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when food comes back up from the stomach into the esophagus or mouth. Reflux is a normal process that occurs in babies, children and healthy adults. Most episodes are short and do not cause any unpleasant symptoms or complications. However, people with GERD experience symptoms such as heartburn again.. and difficulty swallowing with pain. on the vocal cords or even inhaled into the lungs... (aspiration) This article examines the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of adults with gastric reflux... What is gastric reflux?... When we eat, food moves from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. (LES)... When swallowing, the LES relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach.. Then it contracts to prevent food and acid from backing up into the stomach... Acid reflux rarely occurs during sleep.... Acid Reflux Acid reflux causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes severe symptoms and damages the esophagus. The amount of acid reflux that causes reflux disease varies from person to person. In general, damage to the esophagus occurs when the amount of acid reflux is high, the reflux is very acidic, or the most common symptoms of acid reflux into the esophagus are heartburn, vomiting, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. Swallowing... To treat GERD, try to avoid one or all of the symptoms... hiatus hernia The diaphragm is a large flat muscle in the lungs that contracts and expands during inhalation and exhalation.. The esophagus passes through the diaphragm before it joins the stomach.. Normally contraction of the diaphragm increases the strength of the LES, especially during activities such as bending over or coughing.. Diaphragm... moves into the chest causing a hiatus hernia and acid reflux.. Hernia Hiatus is common in people over 50 years old... Obesity and pregnancy are also factors.... The exact reason is not known, but it may be related to the laxity of the tissues around the diaphragm that occurs with age.... There is no way to prevent hiatus hernia.... **\*Gastroenterologist in Mashhad\***