Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that happens when the flow of stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the long tube connecting the throat and stomach, and it is lined with a delicate mucosal layer. This layer can be damaged by the acid in the stomach, and GERD happens when this happens too often or too severely. GERD is a common condition that affects millions of Americans, and most people with the condition don’t require treatment. People with GERD often experience heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest below the breastbone. This happens when gastric acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus. There are several risk factors for GERD, including being overweight, having a large waistline, being older than 40, and smoking. Certain foods and drinks can aggravate GERD, including caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods, fatty foods, and acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common digestive disorder in the United States. It is a medical condition that happens when acidic contents from the stomach flow back up into the esophagus. GERD can cause a variety of symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, and acid reflux into the throat. The most common symptoms of GERD are: Heartburn Regurgitation Acid reflux into the throat Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain GERD is caused by a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscular valve that sits between the esophagus and stomach. Its primary function is to keep the contents of the stomach in the stomach.