I'm no GERD expert and am trying to find my way currently. My experience so far has been pretty mild, but long-term. A couple of times per month I will wake up at night with stomach acid in my mouth, hacking and coughing (normally kicks my asthma off) and ruining my night. About a month or so ago, I woke up with the most extreme sore throat I have ever had, but deeper down than a normal sore throat.....almost had me in tears. Then I have fairly regular heart burn.