Commonly known as acid reflux or dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing pain in the upper abdomen and chest. It is usually due to poor functioning of the sphincter muscle in the esophagus, which normally prevents regurgitation of the stomach contents. Factors that may result in GERD include poor muscle tone in the sphincter, pressure in the abdomen due to pregnancy or obesity, or a hiatal hernia.
Symptoms include heartburn, an acid taste in the mouth, a persistent cough, belching, and in severe cases blood in the vomit or feces. GERD can often be treated with self-help measures, such as eating smaller meals, losing any excess weight, and using over-the-counter heartburn remedies.
If such measures are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe medication to reduce stomach acidity. Severe, persistent GERD may be treated with surgery

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