Understanding the Differences Between Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

For people that have discomfort relating to stomach acid, burning sensations in their stomach, chest, and throat, or other similar symptoms, it can be difficult to understand the differences between acid reflux vs GERD vs heartburn.

That’s why the team at Felix put together this page of useful information for you, so that you can expand your understanding of what heartburn is, compared to acid reflux disease vs GERD.

If you’re already experiencing the symptoms of any of these conditions, and you’d like to talk to a healthcare practitioner from Felix about which treatment options may be right for you, just complete a short online assessment to get started today.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD Explained

To start, understanding what each of these conditions are will help to start clarifying the differences between acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is actually a misleading name for this condition, because it has nothing to do with your heart. The burning sensation in your chest that occurs with heartburn is actually the result of issues in your digestive system; although it is occasionally mistaken for heart attack pain.

When stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, it can cause this burning sensation. This is because the lining in your esophagus is more delicate than the one lining your stomach.

It can appear differently, depending on the person or the episode. Some people describe it as a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and/or neck, while others may feel discomfort behind their breastbone. The pain can be sharp, burning, or feel like a tightening sensation.

Often, mild or infrequent heartburn is treated with antacids (i.e., TUMS, Maalox, etc.). However, if you’re taking these medications several times a week, you should have your practitioner do an evaluation, because the issue could be stemming from acid reflux or GERD.

Acid Reflux

For those of you wondering, “is acid reflux and heartburn the same thing?” The answer is no. Acid reflux is not the same as heartburn. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Think of acid reflux as the cause, and heartburn as the effect.

At the bottom of your esophagus, there’s a circular muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which relaxes when you swallow to allow food into the stomach.

The LES then contracts again to prevent food/acid from backing up into the esophagus, which it does with the assistance of your diaphragm.

If the muscle is weak, doesn’t tighten properly, or another condition (i.e., hiatus hernia, obesity, etc.), prevents it from shutting properly, it can lead to acid and/or food moving back up into the esophagus, throat, and even your mouth. This is what we call acid reflux.

In some cases, acid reflux can cause heartburn, when stomach acid is able to move into the esophagus and burn its lining. Over time, this can cause damage to the esophagus, if it’s left untreated. That’s when the condition may become GERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the chronic form of acid reflux.

GERD is diagnosed when you’re experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, or it begins to cause inflammation in your esophagus.

In some cases, pain from GERD can be relieved with antacids or other over-the-counter medications. However, in some cases, these treatments may not be enough to manage symptoms.

Long-term damage to the esophagus can lead to cancer, which is why it’s so important to seek treatment if you believe that you could be living with GERD.

Which Is More Serious - Acid Reflux vs GERD vs Heartburn?

When it comes to heartburn vs acid reflux disease vs GERD, GERD would be considered the most serious.

This is because GERD is a chronic condition. Acid reflux is a common condition that happens to everyone occasionally, usually 2-3 hours after a meal. Worse after large meals.

Acid reflux often doesn’t even cause any symptoms, and when it does, heartburn is one of the most recognizable of those symptoms. On the other hand, people with GERD often experience ongoing symptoms, some of which may be moderate-to-severe or very frequently occurring.

If you’d like to talk to a practitioner about what acid reflux or GERD treatments could be the right choice for you, get started with Felix today.

What Lifestyle Treatments Help Ease Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD?

Most often, your practitioner will suggest making lifestyle adjustments, prior to recommending any medical interventions for your treatment plan.

These lifestyle changes could include:

• Losing weight (if you’re overweight)
• Raising the head of your bed 6-8 inches (not just adding pillows)
• Sleeping on your left side
• Avoiding trigger foods
• Quitting smoking
• Not eating right before bed
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing

If these don’t work, for mild symptoms, your practitioner may suggest antacids, alginates, and/or histamine receptor antagonists. For moderate-to-severe symptoms, they may suggest Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

What Medical Treatments Help Ease Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD?

If lifestyle and dietary changes don’t work to reduce/manage your symptoms, your practitioner may suggest trying medications to help.

For mild symptoms, your practitioner may suggest antacids, alginates, and/or histamine receptor antagonists.

Alternatively, for moderate-to-severe symptoms, they may suggest Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

How Often Do Treatments for Acid Reflux and GERD Need to Be Taken?

Both antacids and histamine receptor antagonists should be taken as needed; though if you find yourself taking them several times a week, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate your treatment plan with your practitioner.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) should be taken once daily for a treatment cycle of 4-8 weeks, depending on the recommendations of your practitioner.

PPIs should be taken 30-60 minutes before you eat your breakfast in the morning, in order to allow for the maximum inhibition of proton pumps.

When Should I See a Practitioner About Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GERD?

If you’ve already been making dietary and lifestyle changes to try and minimize your heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD symptoms, and they aren’t helping enough, it’s time to talk to a practitioner about other treatment options.

To get started at Felix today, all you have to do is complete a short online assessment (at your convenience), and one of our practitioners will help determine what the best treatment plan is for you, based on your health, medical history, and current symptoms.

With Felix in your corner, you can take back control of your health and quality of life, so that you can get back to living life on your terms - the way it should be.