 [ Symptoms ] what increases the risk of getting gastroesophageal reflux disease gerd [ Disease ] factors that increase your risk of developing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease gerd include being overweight being pregnant smoking drinking alcohol eating certain foods such as chocolate or peppermint that may relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus taking certain medicines if you think a medicine you take may be causing your gerd symptoms talk to your doctor having a hiatal hernia having a condition called scleroderma a rare disease in which a person is immune system begins to destroy normal healthy tissues  autoimmune disease  if you have too little saliva heartburn is more likely cigarette smoking certain diseases or medicines can reduce the amount of saliva your body produces if you have a problem with the lining of your esophagus that makes the lining more sensitive to stomach acid your heartburn may be more severe webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information © 1995 2011 healthwise incorporated healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated