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"The esophagus connects your mouth with your stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the gastric juices (acid) produced by your stomach travel up your esophagus. Reflux causes inflammation of the esophagus and results in burning and irritation. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the esophagus.\n\nCauses\n\nGastroesophageal reflux is caused by a malfunction of the esophageal sphincter. During normal digestion, the sphincter (located where the esophagus and stomach meet) opens to let swallowed food pass through and closes to prevent it from moving back up into the stomach. If the sphincter fails to close, contents of the stomach move up into the esophagus, causing reflux.\n\nGastroesophageal reflux can also be caused by a hiatal hernia, which occurs when a part of the stomach “rises” with the esophagus toward the rib cage via the orifice of the diaphragm (the hiatal orifice).\n\nSymptoms\n\n\nBurning sensation behind the sternum, which radiates into the throat\nRegurgitations\nAcidic or bitter taste in the mouth\nHoarse voice, especially in the morning\nChronic sore throat\nAsthma\nFrequent coughing and hiccups\nBad breath\nLoss of tooth enamel\n\n\nComplications\n\n\nInflammation (esophagitis) causing lesions (ulcers) in the esophagus which may bleed (upper digestive hemorrhage)\nNarrowing of the diameter of the esophagus (peptic stricture), which causes difficulty swallowing and pain\nBarrett’s esophagus, i.e. a change in the cells of the esophageal wall (replaced by cells that normally develop in the intestine). This disease can cause cancer of the esophagus.\nChronic cough, hoarse voice\nCancer of the esophagus or larynx\n\n\nTreatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)\n\nTreatment of GERD depends on the frequency and severity of symptoms. For benign cases, many physicians begin by prescribing simple changes to the patient’s diet, as well as recommending over-the-counter antacids (sodium bicarbonate, sodium alginate, etc.). If symptoms persist, H2 histamine receptor antagonists (cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, etc.) are also available over the counter. For more severe cases, the next step consists of prescribing more powerful drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, etc. Other physicians, especially in more symptomatic cases, prefer to start directly with a PPI, although doses should then be gradually reduced and switched to non-prescription drugs. In the most refractory cases, anti-reflux surgery by laparoscopy helps strengthen the valve between the esophagus and the stomach."
<https://www.biron.com/en/education-center/neat-little-guide/digestive-disorders/>