GERD vs. Acid Reflux vs. Heartburn: What Are These Medical Conditions and How Do They Differ From One Another?

GERD and acid reflux are both actual medical conditions, while heartburn is a symptom of both of them.

Both acid reflux and GERD involve stomach acid reflux into the throat and esophagus. Along with heartburn, these three conditions are actually not the same, even though they have been interchangeably used.

Heartburn: A Symptom of Acid Reflux and GERD

Despite its name, heartburn is actually more digestion-related rather than heart-related. This symptom happens in the digestive system, most specifically in the esophagus.

The esophagus' lining is more delicate compared to the stomach lining. Stomach acid that refluxes into the esophagus could lead to a burning feeling in the chest.

Such pain could be like a tightening or sharp sensation. There are instances where people may describe the pain as a burning sensation that moves around the neck or throat. Others may describe it as discomfort behind the breastbone.

Heartburn typically happens after one eats. Lying down or bending over could worsen it.

It may also be mistaken for pain from a heart attack since heartburn involves mild to severe chest pain.

Mild and infrequent heartburn can be treated with lifestyle changes and antacids. These lifestyle changes may include the avoidance of acidic or spicy foods, less consumption of fatty foods, stopping smoking, and weight loss if necessary.

Acid Reflux

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a circular muscle, joins the stomach and esophagus. Such muscle is responsible for tightening the esophagus when food is finished passing through the stomach.

If this muscle does not tighten correctly or is too weak, stomach acid could end up moving backward to the esophagus. This is what acid reflux is.

Acid reflux may result in heartburn, a cough, a sour taste in the mouth, a sore throat, and a bitter taste in the throat's back. It may also lead to pressure and burning that could stretch up the breastbone.

Some lifestyle recommendations can be followed in order to reduce or stop acid reflux. These include eating more frequent but smaller meals, losing weight if necessary, relaxing and reducing stress, avoiding food triggers, not eating within 3 to 4 hours of lying down or sleeping, quitting smoking, and only moderately drinking alcohol.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is actually a chronic acid reflux form. It gets diagnosed when acid reflux happens at least twice a week or leads to esophagus inflammation.

Long-term esophagus damage could lead to cancer. As for GERD pain, over-the-counter (OTC) medications or antacids may or may not relieve it.

GERD symptoms include heartburn, tooth enamel damage, bad breath, chest pain, regurgitation, dry cough that is persistent, chest pain, swallowing difficulties, and some asthma-like symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightening.

The majority of people may intermittently experience acid reflux and heartburn. These are typically linked to something they ate or some habits, such as lying down after eating.

As for GERD, healthcare professionals may need to examine lasting habits and anatomical parts that could lead to GERD.

Some causes of GERD are being overweight or obese, smoking, having a hiatal hernia, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, and taking medications that weaken the LES muscle.

The condition can be managed through medications, lifestyle adjustments, and even surgery in some cases. Some lifestyle adjustments may include weight loss, diet adjustments, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, eating frequent but smaller meals, sitting upright two to three hours after eating, and avoiding clothes that are tight-fitting.

Overall, heartburn is not a medical condition but a symptom of both acid reflux and GERD. Both conditions may happen when acid moves back to the throat and esophagus, with GERD being more chronic and severe.