Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a burning sensation mid chest that worsens when you bend over or lay down. It usually occurs after eating and at night. It is caused by reflux. Reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach backs up into your food pipe (esophagus), resulting in inflammation. It is considered a disease when you have symptoms more than 2 times a week. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition of digestion that allows stomach acid to go up the esophagus due to a weakening of the muscle at the point where the esophagus ends and your stomach begins. GERD often interferes with routine daily activities, and result in damage to your esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, vomiting or spitting up blood, bitter taste in your mouth, burning sensation in your chest pain, dry cough, painful throat, painful swallowing, and a hoarse voice. Risk Factors For GERD Complications from GERD include scarring of the esophagus, bleeding in stom...