Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid reflux happens when contents from your stomach move back up into your esophagus. This action is also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux.

If you have symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, you might have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source, GERD affects about 20 percent of people in the United States. If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious complications.

The main symptom of GERD is acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest, which can move up into your neck and throat. This feeling is often known as heartburn.

If you have acid reflux, you might develop a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth. It might also cause the regurgitation of food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth.

Some other symptoms of GERD include:

• nausea
• chest pain
• pain when swallowing
• difficulty swallowing
• chronic cough
• a hoarse voice
• bad breath