(HealthDay News) -- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when the muscle at the base of the esophagus allows fluids from the stomach to rise into the esophagus.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists these common symptoms of GERD:

• A burning sensation, known as heartburn, in the chest or upper abdominal area.
• A frequent dry cough.
• Symptoms of asthma.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Tasting food or fluid from the stomach at the back of the mouth, called acid reflux.
• Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week.