Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GERD: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever felt a burning pain in your chest? or discomfort after eating? If yes, it could be heartburn, acid reflux, or something more serious like GERD. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Knowing the difference between heartburn and acid reflux can help you better identify symptoms early and seek proper treatment.

Understanding the Basics: Is Heartburn and Acid Reflux the Same Thing?

No, heartburn and acid reflux are not the same thing. Heartburn is a symptom, while acid reflux is a condition that causes it. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is typically a more severe and chronic form of acid reflux. Let’s break these down further.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when acid in stomach flows back into the oesophagus due to a weakened lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscular ring that serves as a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. If it doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can flow back up, leading to discomfort.

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux:

A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
A bitter taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough or throat irritation

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. It is a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down. The pain can sometimes feel like a heart attack, but it is caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus.

Key Differences: Heartburn vs Acid Reflux

Feature	Acid Reflux	Heartburn
Definition	Condition in which stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.	A symptom of acid reflux, causing a burning chest sensation
Causes	Weak LES, certain foods, lifestyle factors	Stomach acid irritation in the esophagus
Symptoms	Regurgitation, sore throat, bitter taste	Burning sensation in the chest, indigestion

GERD: A Chronic Condition

If you experience acid reflux for more than two times a week, you may have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD is a particularly more severe and persistent form of acid reflux that can cause serious complications, including esophageal damage, ulcers, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of GERD:

Frequent heartburn (more than twice a week)
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Chest pain, especially at night
A sensation of a lump in the throat

GERD vs Acid Reflux: How Are They Different?

GERD is a chronic condition, whereas acid reflux is a temporary or occasional issue. If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Feature	GERD	Acid Reflux
Frequency	Chronic, occurs multiple times a week	Occasional, usually after a meal
Severity	Can cause esophageal damage	Typically mild, but can be uncomfortable
Treatment	Long-term lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery	Occasional antacids or dietary changes

Heartburn vs Indigestion vs Acid Reflux: What’s the Connection?

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a general discomfort in the stomach and upper digestive tract, which may or may not be caused by acid reflux. It can cause bloating, nausea, and stomach pain. Indigestion vs heartburn vs acid reflux – the main difference is that indigestion is not always caused by stomach acid, whereas acid reflux and heartburn directly result from stomach acid irritation.

Feature	Indigestion	Heartburn	Acid Reflux
Definition	General stomach discomfort or pain	Burning sensation in the chest	Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus
Cause	Overeating, stress, fatty foods	Stomach acid irritation	Weak LES allowing stomach acid reflux
Symptoms	Bloating, nausea, stomach pain	Burning in chest	Regurgitation, sore throat

How to Prevent and Manage Symptoms

Lifestyle Changes:

Eat smaller meals: Large meals increase stomach pressure, pushing acid into the esophagus.
Avoid trigger foods: Spicy, acidic, and fatty foods can aggravate symptoms.
Stay upright after eating: Lying down can make acid reflux worse.
Lose weight: Those extra kilos puts extra pressure on the stomach, worsening acid reflux.
Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the LES, increasing acid reflux risk.

Medications:

Antacids: Provide immediate instant relief by neutralizing stomach acid, relieving from bloating.
H2 blockers: Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): More effective in reducing stomach acid (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole).
Prokinetics: Help strengthen the LES and speed up stomach emptying.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience frequent heartburn (more than two times a week).
If symptoms worsen or do not improve with over-the-counter medications.
If you persistently have difficulty swallowing, have frequent nausea, or unexplained weight loss .
If heartburn occurs alongside chest pain, especially with shortness of breath (could be a heart attack).

Contact Dr Samir Rahmani

For expert care and treatment, you may consult Dr Samir Rahmani, a highly regarded UK-trained consultant specializing in bariatric, laparoscopic, and general surgery.

Book an appointment with Dr Sameer Rahmani today!