Skip to content My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up  Heartburn/GERD Health
Center  Font Size  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)  GERD,
gastroesophageal reflux disease or simply reflux, is a common
condition that affects from 5% to 7% of the population. The most
common reflux symptom is chronic heartburn, but it's not the
only symptom.  Other symptoms of GERD include:    • Belching   •
Chronic sore throat   • Difficulty or pain when swallowing   •
Waterbrash (sudden excess of saliva)   • Hoarseness   • Sour
taste in the mouth   • Bad breath   • Inflammation of the gums
• Erosion of tooth enamel (the surface of the teeth)  NOTE:
Chest pain is also a symptom of heartburn. However, it is often
difficult to differentiate chest pain due to heartburn/GERD and
chest pain due to heart disease. Therefore, be sure to get all
chest pain evaluated IMMEDIATELY by a health care professional.
Sometimes, there are no symptoms, and reflux is only diagnosed
when complications (see below) arise.  How Is Reflux Diagnosed?
First, y