Eating too much or bending forward after eating may cause heartburn, but having heartburn only once in a while may not necessarily mean that the patient has GERD. When the heartburn is persistent and occurs frequently, the patient may have GERD. The condition may cause damage to the esophagus and may cause ulcers. If a patient has GERD, the valve that lets food pass from the esophagus into the stomach may not close tightly enough after food has passed through. This may allow for stomach acid or juices to make their way back up the esophagus, causing heartburn.

The main symptom of GERD may be heartburn. Heartburn may feel like warmth, pain or burning behind the breastbone. Some patients may experience symptoms while trying to sleep as well. The heartburn caused by GERD may occur after the patient has eaten.

It may be important to make sure that the heartburn or burning experienced in the chest is not caused by heart problems. In diagnosing GERD, a doctor may run a test, or a series of tests. An endoscopy may allow the doctor to view inside the esophagus or stomach, while esophagus testing is a series of tests that may check the condition of the esophagus and how it works. An upper gastrointestinal series may allow doctors to examine the upper parts of the digestive system through a series of X-rays. These tests may also allow the doctor to determine if other problems are causing the symptoms.

Treating mild cases of GERD, a doctor may recommend taking antacids or other over-the-counter medications. Certain lifestyle changes such as a change in diet and losing weight may be recommended as well. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medicine. In some cases, surgery may be required to strengthen the valve connecting the esophagus and stomach.

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