Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD/GORD) is a digestive disorder in which the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Esophagus is the tube like structure connecting the mouth with the stomach. The acid reflux or the back flow of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus.
In a healthy person, the lower esophageal sphincter opens to let the food pass into the tummy, & closes to prevent the gastric juices from backwashing into the esophagus. In patients with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter is weak allowing the back flow of contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
GERD is a very common digestive problem can be treated through simple lifestyle modifications in most cases.