acid reflux

noun

: backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and that results especially in heartburn : gastroesophageal reflux

a medication for acid reflux

Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. The feeling of acid reflux is heartburn: a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest …

—The Tennessee Tribune

Acid reflux occurs when the valve between your esophagus and stomach doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to wash back up through your esophagus …

—Miriam Jones Bradley

Examples of acid reflux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Per the Cleveland Clinic, acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Plus, medications used to treat acid reflux may make constipation worse. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024

Larger meals are harder on the digestive tract due to their sheer volume, so reducing your portion size could also help ease acid reflux symptoms, according to Dr. Ganjhu. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 28 Oct. 2024

Treats Heartburn Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back into the food pipe (esophagus). —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

acid reflux

noun

: backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and that results especially in heartburn : gastroesophageal reflux

… people who report experiencing at least weekly symptoms of acid reflux have substantially higher risks of BE [=Barrett's esophagus] than those with less frequent episodes. Moreover, we found that symptoms of acid reflux experienced at older ages conferred substantially higher risks of BE than symptoms at younger ages …

—Kylie J. Smith et al., Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention