If you are one of the estimated 20% of Americans who experience symptoms of regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents in the mouth, difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, a chronic cough, bad breath or a feeling like something is stuck in your throat that occurs more than twice a week, there is a good chance it is more than just heartburn.  It is likely to be a more serious form of heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease or simply known as GERD.