http://www.medicinen..._gerd/page9.htm GERD At A Glance GERD is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The causes of GERD include an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, abnormal esophageal contractions, and slow emptying of the stomach. GERD may damage the lining of the esophagus, thereby causing inflammation (esophagitis), although usually it does not. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are