Final answer:
Antacids help to treat GERD by neutralizing stomach acid with alkaline compounds, such as calcium carbonate, which react with and reduce excess hydrochloric acid, relieving pain and discomfort caused by acid reflux into the esophagus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antacids are medications prescribed to neutralize excess stomach acid, which is a common treatment for symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
The stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) to aid in digestion, but in excess, it can cause discomfort, known as heartburn. Antacids contain alkaline ions that chemically neutralize this excess HCl. For instance, calcium carbonate, a typical antacid ingredient, reacts with HCl in a simple proton transfer reaction:
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) = CaCl₂ (aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)
This reaction produces water and carbon dioxide, which may result in a belch, and most importantly, alleviates the painful symptoms associated with the high acidity in the stomach and esophagus.