Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) By Kristle Lee Lynch, MD, Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania Reviewed / Revised Mar 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points More Information Topic Resources Barrett Esophagus Progression... Mild Esophagitis Reflux Esophagitis Esophageal Stricture Barrett Esophagus Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter allows reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, causing burning pain.