Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Here's what you need to know:

1. Common Symptoms: Symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night, and regurgitating food or sour liquid (acid reflux).

2. Lesser Known Symptoms: Some less typical symptoms that might be associated with GERD include coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, which can sometimes mimic heart disease.

3. "Alarm" symptoms or Red Flags: These are signs and symptoms that require immediate attention as they might suggest a more serious condition, such as difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, recurrent vomiting, evidence of bleeding (such as vomiting blood or dark-colored stools), and anemia.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Certain habits can exacerbate GERD symptoms such as overeating, consuming trigger foods (like high-fat or spicy foods, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion and caffeine-containing drinks), eating close to bedtime, and smoking. Alcohol consumption and stress can also trigger symptoms.

5. Body Weight: Overweight and obesity increase the risk of GERD and can worsen symptoms.

6. Response to Medication: If symptoms improve with a trial of over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), it’s likely GERD. However, not responding to medication does not rule out GERD.

7. Rule Out Other Conditions: Conditions like heart disease can mimic GERD symptoms. If the chest pain is associated with exercise, results in shortness of breath, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the arm, neck, or jaw, immediate medical attention is required.