Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or contents flow back up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach. This backflow occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that normally closes to keep stomach contents down, is weak or relaxes inappropriately
. The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by regurgitation of sour or bitter liquid into the throat or mouth. Other symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, sore throat, hoarseness, and breathing problems
. GERD can cause complications if untreated, such as inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), esophageal strictures, and Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition
. Risk factors for GERD include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, and certain medications. Lifestyle factors such as eating large meals, lying down soon after eating, and consuming trigger foods like coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty or spicy foods can worsen symptoms
. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms but may involve tests like gastroscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, or manometry if symptoms persist despite treatment
. Treatment includes lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, not lying down after meals), medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, and in some cases, surgery
. In summary, GERD is a common condition affecting about 10-20% of adults in Western populations, characterized by chronic acid reflux causing heartburn and other symptoms due to malfunction of the LES
