This dysfunction is known medically as acid reflux. The acid causes that rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone many of us knows too well. As many as 25 million suffer daily. Men and women are affected almost equally, but incidence increases after age 40. Another cause is impaired peristalsis, the wave-like motion of the esophagus that propels food downward and is supposed to help keep the acid in your stomach.
Lifestyle factors can increase the risk and incidence of heartburn.
When heartburn becomes chronic, GERD develops. The body suffers repeated injury from the acid, leading to a constellation of other symptoms. When this occurs, the prognosis is grim. But people will frequently avoid a visit to the doctor when the symptoms appear, thinking their discomfort is only the result of dietary indiscretion or stress. Palmer's heartburn was relentless, sometimes causing him to lose games.