GERD Awareness Week Coincides With Thanksgiving Week

(Undated) -- As many as two out of every five people experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, or more commonly known as GERD. Doctor Scott Gabbard says it's important to keep an eye out for the signs, including coughing and throat clearing. The symptoms are worse after a big meal, and plenty of Americans will enjoy one of those on Thursday. GERD is caused by a weak muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that allows stomach acid to go into the esophagus.