The feeling of throat discomfort is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which gastric contents, or gas from the stomach, impacts on the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by changes in gastric dynamics and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which leads to frequent reflux of gastric contents, especially gastric acid, into the throat to stimulate the mucous membranes, causing diffuse inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, submucosal layer, and submucosal lymphoid tissues, and resulting in gastroesophageal reflux laryngitis (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease is also one of the main causes of chronic pharyngitis. The main symptoms of GERD laryngitis include acid reflux, hiccups, and other stomach symptoms, as well as throat congestion, soreness, burning and dryness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, too, is a major cause of chronic cough.