Cause

• Sometimes the cause of GERD is not clear. One known reason for the condition is hiatal hernia because it allows acid reflux to occur often.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of GERD include acid reflux, frequent heartburn that can spread to the throat and produce a sour taste in the mouth, swallowing difficulty and dry cough, chest pain, hoarseness, sore throat and the feeling of having a lump in the throat.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Other contributing factors include being obese, pregnant, smoking, dry mouth and delayed stomach emptying. Conditions associated with GERD include diabetes, asthma, scleroderma or other connective tissue disorders, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
  
  

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid the following foods to reduce symptoms associated with GERD: citrus foods, fatty, spicy and fried foods, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, mint flavorings, garlic, onions and tomato-based foods.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatments for GERD include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, weight loss, not eating right before bed, not wearing tight-fitting clothes, over-the-counter or prescription acid medications and surgeries.