What you should know about acid reflux

A spicy dish. A refreshing Margarita, garnished with salt and lime. A plate of crispy, fried calamari. All these foods can trigger a very common condition called acid reflux.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. When reflux happens repeatedly or causes ongoing symptoms or complications, it may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is commonly known as GERD.

Heartburn—a burning sensation behind the breast...