Heartburn

Heartburn is the most common symptom of a acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) either relaxes inappropriately or is weak which allows stomach juices to back up, or reflux, into the esophagus, creating heartburn. When the acid contents from the stomach regularly back up into the esophagus, a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs. Heartburn from acid reflux usually occurs after meals. In addition to heartburn, symptoms of acid reflux may include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Learn more about the condition of heartburn with information on causes, symptoms, history, and treatments.