You may have acid reflux and not even know it.
I went to my doctor complaining of burning in my throat after I regurgitated some pretty nasty stuff the night before.
That's the first time I heard the term 'acid reflux' and this is what he told me in a nutshell.
The Description Acid reflux is when acid from the stomach gurgles or regurgitates back up the esophagus causing 'heartburn' (although it has nothing to do with the heart).
In more severe cases the acid (or bile) will come all the way up the throat and into the mouth, causing a burning feeling in the throat and a sour, bitter taste.
The Symptoms These are the basic symptoms of acid reflux.

• A sharp burning in the chest caused by acid in the esophagus
• A burning in the throat as acid damages the tissue lining the throat
• A sour, bitter taste as bile refluxes into the mouth

The Causes Acid reflux is caused by a malfunction of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).
This is a muscle that normally keeps stomach contents from flowing back up the esophagus.
It can be damaged or weakened in several ways.

• Eating foods high in fat or spicy foods.
  Drinking carbonated, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
• Smoking or being overweight.
  Wearing clothes that are too tight around the middle
• Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen.
  Medical conditions such as pregnancy or hiatal hernia

The Treatments Traditionally, acid reflux is treated by either over-the-counter or prescription meds.
Medications come in three forms:

• Antacids such as Alka-Seltzer, Tums or Rolaids
• Acid (H2) blockers such as Pepcid, Tagament or Zantac
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI's) such as Prilosec, Nexium and Aciphex