Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux that often requires ongoing treatment to prevent complications.

Typical symptoms include burning chest pain (heartburn), sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food or liquid. Chronic acid reflux can also cause cough, hoarseness, or a feeling of a lump in the throat.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux, including eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods (such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods), refraining from lying down immediately after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight. Over-the-counter or prescription acid reflux medication can also be used under medical guidance.

You should seek medical advice if you have frequent acid reflux (more than twice a week), if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatment, or if you experience difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting blood, as these can be signs of more serious conditions.