The good news is that many people can reduce symptoms with practical lifestyle changes. Others may need medication or medical evaluation, especially when symptoms are frequent or persistent.
## What Is Acid Reflux?
At the bottom of the esophagus is a ring of muscle called the **lower esophageal sphincter**, or LES.
Normally, it opens to let food enter the stomach and then closes again.
Acid reflux happens when this muscle becomes weak or relaxes when it should not, allowing stomach contents to travel back upward into the esophagus.
Occasional reflux is common. When symptoms become frequent or cause complications, the condition may be diagnosed as **gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD**.
## Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The classic symptom is heartburn, usually described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Other possible symptoms include:
