Gastroesophageal (pronounced: gas-tro-ih-sah-fuh-jee-ul) reflux disease is a condition in which acid from the stomach regurgitates or refluxes into the esophagus. (The muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach is called the esophagus). Simply put, in this disorder, liquid from the stomach starts to flow backwards into the esophagus. This liquid contains acid and pepsin (pepsin is an enzyme that aids the digestion of protein within the stomach). It may also contain some bile.

The most harmful constituent among these is the acid. In rare cases it can even inflame the lining of the esophagus. The more common symptoms, however, are heartburn, strictures, difficulty in swallowing and chest pain. Patients may experience one or a combination of these symptoms.

GERD, once it happens, usually lasts a lifetime. If the esophagus is injured, then the condition is chronic. Symptoms do subside with regular treatment, and tend to disappear temporarily when the treatment is terminated. However, problems will resurface after a few months and treatment will have to be resumed.

It is normal for some amount of the stomach