GERD stands for GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is the backflow of acid and food particles that seep out of the stomach and up into the esophagus, commonly known as heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest, most commonly occurring after a meal.

Heartburn on a regular basis can lead to damage and scarring in the esophagus.

Frequent heartburn, occurring several times a week to several times a day, may be associated with a more severe condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Heartburn is so common, it often is not associated with a serious disease like GERD.

• Esophagus, pronounced – eh-SAW-fuh-gus, is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Esophagus is also called gullet or food pipe, and is also spelled oesophagus.

Most Common Symptoms of GERD

• Persistent heartburn – a painful, burning feeling in the chest, most commonly occurring after a meal.
• Acid regurgitation – Regurgitation, pronounced – ree-GUR-juh-TAY-shun, is to cause to surge back, as partially digested food. Vomit into the back of the throat.

Other Symptoms of GERD

Some people have GERD without heartburn or acid regurgitation. Instead, they experience:

• Pain in the chest.
• Hoarseness in the morning.
• Trouble swallowing.
• You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or like you are choking or your throat is sore or tight.
• Dry cough.
• Breathing difficulties similar to asthma. Asthma, pronounced – AZ-muh, is a chronic (lasting for a long period of time) respiratory disease, often arising from allergies, that is characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing.

Some people have NERD (Non-erosive esophageal reflux disease). NERD is chronic symptoms but without inflammation of the esophageal tissue.