When it comes to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, the word “severe” is in the eye -- or chest, as it were -- of the beholder.

With the help of the throat muscles, the esophagus relays food and drink to the stomach, keeping the body nourished and hydrated. Burning sensations in the esophagus can make swallowing painful, leading to poor nutrition.

Acid reflux can occur by itself or with a variety of other symptoms. Complaints of heartburn, coughing, bloating or nausea are possible in people who experience acid reflux. While any severe or frequent reflux-associated symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention, this is especially true for stomach pain.

Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux or "heartburn," is a common problem affecting 10 to 20 percent of the population in the United States.

In addition to heartburn, acid reflux can cause pressure or tightness in the chest, with pain that can range from dull to excruciating. In some cases, these symptoms may be impossible to distinguish from those of a heart attack or cardiac chest pain, which is why evaluation by a doctor is so important.

A diagnosis of acid reflux no longer means saying goodbye to some of your favorite foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, for example, because of their acidity, have commonly been restricted in the diets of acid reflux sufferers.

Almost everyone develops heartburn at some time or another. The uncomfortable burning sensation -- which starts behind your sternum and sometimes spreads into your throat -- is the main symptom of acid reflux.

Acid reflux can be a chronic condition that requires watching everything you eat and drink to manage your symptoms. Each case of acid reflux is different, and you will have to experiment with your diet to find out if salt or other foods are personal triggers.

When they become chronic, excessive gas and heartburn are serious quality-of-life issues that may inspire you to re-evaluate your diet and your overall lifestyle. It's possible that losing weight will reduce or eliminate unpleasant symptoms of gas and heartburn -- it's even likely in some cases.

If you have acid reflux, you may wonder if drinking milk and eating yogurt will make your symptoms worse.

A brief tour of the anatomy of the stomach and esophagus will help you understand what causes acid reflux disease. Think of the esophagus as an upright sausage that connects to the stomach at the lower end and throat at the upper end.

Acid reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents leak up into the esophagus, and it is most commonly associated with symptoms like heartburn. If stomach acid irritates the throat or goes into the lungs, it can cause problems like excessive mucus production and wheezing.