Most people have felt heartburn at one time or another. However, if heartburn symptoms occur frequently and persistently, they can be an indicator of a more serious problem, such as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The severity of GERD depends on lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction as well as the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach. Heartburn, regurgitation, and dyspepsia are a few of the most common acid reflux symptoms. Heartburn is a burning pain or discomfort that can move up from your stomach to the middle of the abdomen and chest. Regurgitation is the sensation of acid backing up into your throat or mouth, producing a sour or bitter taste. Symptoms of acid reflux may be a sign that stomach acid are damaging the lining of your esophagus causing bleeding. These acid reflux symptoms most often appear at night producing the most pain. Many women experience acid reflux for the first time during pregnancy. Left untreated, this condition can cause a host of complications. Prolonged exposure to refluxed acid leads to inflammation of the esophagus. If heartburn begins to occur on a daily basis you need to see your doctor for advice. Usually, life changes and over-the-counter medication can help to control the symptoms. In a small number of cases where medical therapy has been unsuccessful, the problem may be solved by a laparoscopic (key hole) surgical procedure.