About Acid Reflux Disease
If you are already taking NEXIUM, your doctor may have told you that you have
acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Nearly everyone has occasional heartburn, but when someone has it 2 or more
days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, the problem may be acid reflux
disease. In short, acid reflux disease is frequent, recurring heartburn.
Here’s some background on what happens when you have acid reflux disease:
Your stomach is filled with acid that helps digest the food you eat. Your
stomach is built to handle this acid. But your esophagus (the tube that carries
food to your stomach) isn’t.
So when acid backs up into your esophagus—an event called “acid reflux”—it can
cause the painful, burning sensation known as heartburn.
The problem with acid reflux disease isn’t just the heartburn pain and
discomfort. Over time, frequent, recurring acid reflux can potentially cause
damage (erosions) to the delicate lining of the esophagus. This condition is
called erosive esophagitis. About 1 in 3 acid reflux sufferers may have erosive
esophagitis. Only a doctor can determine if you have this damage.
The good news is that NEXIUM can both relieve the pain of
heartburn and heal the possible damage that acid
reflux disease can cause over time. Most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your
results with NEXIUM may vary.
If you have any questions about acid reflux disease—or about
how NEXIUM works—talk with your doctor.
Next: Symptoms