Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a medical condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, into the esophagus. The GERD symptoms may include: a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth; dry cough; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness or sore throat; regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux). As you know, food passes from the throat to the stomach through the esophagus. Once food is in the stomach, a ring of muscle fibers (called esophageal sphincter) prevents food from moving backward into the esophagus. When this sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing frequent heartburn, irritations and inflammation of esophagus disrupting your daily life. Over time, chronic inflammation in esophagus can lead to complications such as: esophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, or Barrett’s esophagus.