Gastroespohageal Reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the throat or esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn. However, to some individuals this reflux, is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems. That is when it becomes the disease. Therefore, Gastroespohageal Reflux Disease is a clinical condition that is severe enough to impact the patient's life and or damage the esophagus.

• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• Difficult and Painful Swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Laryngitis
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Chronic dry cough, especially at night
• Asthma
• Globus sensation (feeling as if there is a lump in your throat)
• Bad breath
• Earaches
• Recurrent vomiting (In Children)
• A failure to thrive (In Children)
• Severe Chest Pain, which can be easily confused for a heart attack

Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. In some patients it may be accompanied by other GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth, chest pain, and exterme difficult in swallowing. These symptoms are most prevelant within 1-3 hours,for some patients, but for others this feeling is always with them. Symptoms will worsen after eatting, lying flat or bending forward.

GERD can cause a crushing pain in your chest identical to the pain of a heart attack. Sometimes medical professionals diagnose GERD after treating a patient for repeated episodes of chest pain that are not caused by heart disease.