Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into your throat causing heartburn pain behind your breastbone (sternum). It's caused by certain foods such as spicy foods like chili peppers which are also known as cayenne peppers because they are used extensively throughout south america as well as other parts around asia including india where they are known as chilies/chilli/chilis etc. Spicy foods can also include hot sauces such as tabasco sauce, ketchup etc.