Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from stomach acid repeatedly flowing back into the esophagus, the digestive tube that runs between the mouth and stomach, due to a dysfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
Many people experience occasional gastroesophageal reflux (GER), more commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn. According to epidemiological data from the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorder (IFFGD), up to 40 percent of people experience acid reflux at least once a month, with 20 percent experiencing it on a weekly basis.
