Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. It's often called GERD for short. This backwash is known as acid reflux, and it can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

The most common symptoms of GER and GERD are heartburn and regurgitation. Other possible symptoms includeTrusted Source:

• nausea
• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing
• chronic cough
• water brash (excess saliva mixed with stomach acid)
• globus sensation (the sensation of a lump in one’s throat)

Causes of GERD

Occasional acid reflux is quite common, often occurring as a result of eating a large meal, lying down after eating, or eating particular foods. However, recurrent acid reflux, or GERD, typically has other causes and risk factors and can have more serious complications.

GERD occurs in people of all ages and sometimes for unknown reasons. It happens when the valve that prevents stomach contents from going back up to the esophagus becomes weak or opens when it should not.

GERD occurs more commonly in people:

• with obesity or people who are overweight because of increased pressure on the abdomen
• who are pregnant, affecting around 40–85% of people during pregnancy
• people who has lower back pain due to prolonged sitting 
• who are taking certain medications, including some asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants
• who smoke and those with exposure to secondhand smoke

In addition, hiatal hernia is a condition in which an opening in the diaphragm lets the top of the stomach move up into the chest. This lowers the pressure in the esophageal sphincter and increases the risk of GERD.
 

Treatment

GERD is a chronic disease that requires long-term management. Doctors often treat GERD with medications and by suggesting lifestyle changes. If symptoms do not improve, doctors may suggest surgery.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of GERD treatment because they can help improve symptoms. These modifications may include:

• losing weight for people who are overweight or had a recent weight gain
• sleeping in an inclined position
• modifying diet and avoiding food triggers
• avoiding eating meals at least 3 hours before going to bed