What is an Acid Related Disorder?

Your stomach naturally produces acid to help sterilise and digest your food. However, sometimes the acid has unwanted effects on the lining of the gullet (oesophagus), stomach or duodenum causing an acid related disorder. Normal amounts of acid will cause discomfort or pain if these parts of the digestive system are weakened or damaged. Infection, older age, alcohol and certain drugs can all weaken the lining of the digestive system. Your stomach may also produce more acid than you need. Cigarettes and stress have this effect. Two common acid-related disorders are reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease.