Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a condition where stomach acid and sometimes bile often back up in the esophagus or food pipe.

Causes 

• Weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES)
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain foods such as fatty foods, chocolates, caffeine etc
• Eating large meals
• Certain medical condition such as diabetes, hiatal hernia, delayed emptying of stomach etc.
• Certain medications
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

• Frequent heartburns
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Dry cough
• Reflux of food or sour stomach fluids
• Trouble swallowing

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down immediately after eating, avoiding spicy and heavy meals, avoiding smoking and alcohol, etc
• Medications to control the acid production
• Rarely, surgery to repair the LES or hiatal hernia when other treatments are ineffective

Prevention

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating small meals
• Avoiding fatty and spicy food
• Not lying down or bending down immediately after eating
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding alcohol