Acidity and GERD: Causes, Symptoms, Diet & Treatment

Learn why acidity and heartburn happen, GERD symptoms, lifestyle measures and when frequent acid reflux needs medical evaluation.

What Is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach contents repeatedly move back into the esophagus and cause troublesome symptoms or complications.

Common symptoms

• Heartburn
• Acid taste in the mouth
• Regurgitation
• Burning after meals
• Symptoms worse when lying down

Some people can experience throat or cough-related symptoms.

Lifestyle factors

Symptoms may be influenced by:

• Large meals
• Eating close to bedtime
• Certain foods
• Excess weight
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Individual dietary triggers

Not everyone has the same triggers.

When should you see a doctor?

Medical evaluation is important when reflux is frequent, persistent or associated with difficulty swallowing, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding or anemia.

Persistent symptoms should not simply be self-treated indefinitely.