The primary symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include the following:

1. Heartburn. Patients often describe a fiery sensation in the chest and the regurgitation of bitter or sour liquid to the throat or mouth. This combination of symptoms is so characteristic of GERD that formal testing may be unnecessary.

2. Chest pain, non-burning. This discomfort is typically in the middle of the chest and radiates to the back.

3. Difficulty swallowing.