Question: What are the symptoms of GER and GERD?
Answer: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly cause symptoms such as

heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest, behind your breastbone, rising from the lower tip of your breastbone toward your throat
regurgitation, orstomachcontents coming back up through youresophagusand into your throat or mouth, which may cause you to taste food or stomach acid

However, not all adults with GERD have heartburn or regurgitation. Other symptoms may include

chest pain
nausea
problems swallowing or pain while swallowing
symptoms ofcomplications in the mouth, throat, or lungs, such as chronic cough or hoarseness

Symptoms of GERD may include chronic cough.

You should see a doctor if you think you have GERD, or if your symptoms don’t get better with over-the-counter medicines or lifestyle changes.

You should also see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to GERD complications or other serious health problems, such as

chest pain
loss of appetite
persistent vomiting
problems swallowing or pain while swallowing
signs ofbleeding in the digestive tract, such asvomit that contains blood or looks like coffee groundsstool that contains blood or looks black and tarry
vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
stool that contains blood or looks black and tarry
unexplained weight loss
Question: What causes GER and GERD?
Answer: Your lower esophageal sphincter and diaphragm most often prevent GER, which is when stomach contents come back up into your esophagus. However, many people have GER once in a while.

GERD may develop if your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t. Factors that may affect the lower esophageal sphincter and lead to GERD include

beingoverweightor havingobesity
being pregnant
smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke

Some medicines can cause GERD or make GERD symptoms worse. Examples include

benzodiazepines, sedatives that make you calmer or sleepy
calcium channel blockers, which are used to treathigh blood pressure
certainasthmamedicines
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
tricyclicantidepressants

A hiatal hernia can also increase the chance of getting GERD or make GERD symptoms worse. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the opening in your diaphragm lets the upper part of the stomach move up into your chest.