Heartburn/acid reflux is a condition where acid from stomach reflux into a food pipe (esophagus). The person complains about heartburn in between the neck and rib cage. One may feel pain in the throat, chest, and neck. While other symptoms include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or chronic coughing.

It occurs when LES (lower esophageal sphincter) does not function properly and high acidic juices flow backwards and burns the lower esophagus. The esophagus gets damaged, and the person complains of pain.

It occurs due to naturally weak sphincter (LES). Intake of spicy food, beverages, smoking, irregular exercise, tight clothing may cause LES to relax, causes reflux. Hiatus hernia (term for heartburn) is present in many people, although few may show symptoms.