We all experience gastroesophageal reflux (GER) on a daily basis, as part of the normal “housekeeping” mechanism of our digestive tract.  Reflux is simply the backward flow of stomach contents (liquids, including food matter, digestive juices, and acid, as well as gas) toward the esophagus.  We may feel this as a “sour” burp, “acid” taste in the throat or mouth, or heartburn.  When these symptoms become very frequent, disruptive or complicated, your doctor may add a “D” for “Disease,” and diagnose you with GERD.  These complications in adult patients may include chronic inflammation or injury to the lining of the esophagus, resulting in reflux esophagitis, which increases the risk for scarring and even esophageal cancer.  In children, GERD can negatively impact feeding, swallowing and weight gain, and can be a trigger for chronic cough.