What do you think is likely to happen if the sphincter at the base of the esophagus does not function properly?

Whenever sphincter at the base of the esophagus does not function properly this will lead to the reflux of food and stomach acids that is flow of food and stomach to backwards into the esophagus and this eventually leads to the inflamation and irritation of the esophagus lining as a results of the acids reflux, and at the end leads to burning chest or at times sour taste or cough

and anyone suffering from this is said to have a Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)