Acid Reflex Reaction

What is it.

Acid reflex is happens when the stomach is more acidic than usual, or when a person has the sensation of stomach acid coming up through the esophagus.  It is commonly referred to as GERD or gastroesophageal reflex disease.

How is it treated?

Neutralizing it with a base commonly baking soda is an effective way to treat GERD.  Baking soda or sodium hydrogen bicarbonate NaHCO a base reacts with hydrchloric acid HCl inside the stomach and neutralize each other.

3

NaHCO        +   HCl       <=>   NaCl      +      H CO

3                                                                                          2       3

(s)                     (aq)                                 (aq)                            (aq)

H2CO3 (aq)  <=> H2O (l) + CO2 (g)

References

• baking soda and stomach acid -  http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/baking-soda#Overview1
• balanced equation - http://www.webqc.org/balance.php?reaction=NAHCO3+%2B+HCl+%3D+NACl+%2B+CO2+%2B+H2O
• picture - http://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/gastroesophageal_reflux.jpg
• video -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCkngofOmTo