When the muscle that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from escaping up into the esophagus gets to weak to do its job and the acid keeps on gushing back to the esophagus, that is called acid reflux. It is a lot like heart burn but a lot more uncomfortable as generally there is much more acids and pepsins pushing back to the esophagus.

Title : Stop the Heartburn: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Symptoms of One of Americas Most Common Health Problems
Author : David Utley
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Everything you ever wanted to know about your heartburn
I began searching for educational materials on heartburn after I had lived with it for several years and had poured all kinds of antiacids into my stomach. This book is very informative, explaining the causes, treatments, and even the long-range effects of continuing heartburn. It educated me to where I was able to discuss my condition knowledgeably with my physician and had no "fear of the unknown" when it came time to begin treatment.

Title : The Ulcer Story: The Authoritative Guide to Ulcers, Dyspepsia and Heartburn
Author : W.Grant Thompson
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A must for your reference library if your have an ulcer!
Stop looking. This book is a one stop guide that will enable you to understand what your body is doing in those places you can't see, but you KNOW they are there. I believe every doctor should update their ulcer related knowledge by reading this book. "The Ulcer Story" is written in an easy to digest manner, so don't hesitate in finding out about YOUR stomach.
I had H. pylori previous to discovering through an Endoscopic exam that a Peptic ulcer hadn't healed and a growth developed on a healed Duodenal ulcer. Result: Surgery. Afterward, I was so sick and no one had an answer for "what do I do now"?
Get this book before surgery. Find out your options for treatment before and after. Take it with you to the doctors office. Go armed with information that will help you be a smart consumer. You couldn't spend your time better or money wiser.
The most popular and largely used drug for this disease is PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors), this is the drug which is generally prescribed by the doctors for relief from the pains causing due to the attacks of Acid Reflux. PPI helps in stopping the production of the acidic contents in the stomach which pushes into esophagus and cause acid reflux.
It is worth cutting back on tomato based foods like chilli, pasta and pizza sauces with tomatoes in it as tomatoes are known to cause an increase in stomach acids, which in turn can trigger heartburn and GERD symptoms.
Certain foods can contribute to acid reflux, such as chocolate, drinks with caffeine, fried food, mint and peppermint flavored candy, spicy food, garlic, onions and of course citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemon and limes.