What is GERD Heartburn is a combination of symptoms caused by
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Normally food flows from
the mouth into the esophagus and then down into the stomach. The
junction of the esophagus and the stomach usually works as a one
way valve and allows food into the stomach but prevents stomach
juice from getting back into the esophagus. When this valve
doesn’t work, the bottom of the esophagus is irritated by the
gastric juice causing it to work even less. The result can be
chest pain, regurgitation and choking. The bottom of the
esophagus has a special muscle control called the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES). GERD occurs when the LES opens
spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close
properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GERD
is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because
digestive juices — called acids — rise up with the food. When
acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of
the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid t