With GERD, however, the sphincter relaxes between swallows, allowing stomach contents and corrosive acid to well up and burn the lining of the esophagus. Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid after a meal to aid in the digestion of food. The inner lining of the stomach resists corrosion by this acid. The thick cells that line the stomach secrete large amounts of protective mucus. The lining of your esophagus does not share these resistant features.
Stomach acid can burn it.
Your esophagus lies just behind the heart, so the term heartburn was coined to describe the sensation of acid burning the esophagus. No one knows the exact cause of gastroesophageal reflux. Elevate the head of your bed 6 inches with blocks. Don t eat large meals. In particular, avoid fatty greasy foods, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, spicy foods, citrus, and alcohol.