If you are already taking NEXIUM, you may have been told that you have acid reflux disease or
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 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.
Nearly everyone has occasional heartburn. But if you have heartburn 2 or more days a week, despite
trying to treat it and change your diet, you may have acid reflux disease. In short, acid reflux disease is frequent,
recurring heartburn.
The problem with acid reflux disease isn’t just the heartburn pain and discomfort. Over time, acid reflux
disease can potentially cause damage to the delicate lining of your 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.
If you have any questions about acid reflux disease—or about how NEXIUM works—talk with your doctor.
Next: Symptoms