What is the difference between heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), their symptoms, and how to treat them? They are both annoying digestive system diseases that cause problems while eating and a complete change in the patient's lifestyle. We will learn the difference between them, their causes, treatment methods, and diagnosis.
What is heartburn
Heartburn is a temporary symptom resulting from stomach acid leaking into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and pain in the middle of the chest. It often occurs after eating fatty or spicy foods.
What is GERD
It is a disease of the esophagus that causes stomach acid to rise into the esophagus during eating, causing severe pain and a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from it.
Symptoms of heartburn and GERD
Symptoms of heartburn and GERD include:
- A burning sensation in the chest that can extend to the throat.
- Regurgitation of food or acidic liquids into the throat.
- Difficulty swallowing. A feeling of bloating or fullness with frequent belching.
- A burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux include:
Heartburn in the stomach and chest, which may extend to the throat.
- Hoarseness and persistent coughing.
- A burning pain in the chest.
- Acid reflux from the stomach into the mouth or throat.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
What are the causes of heartburn
Most causes of heartburn are related to diet:
- Eating certain foods that increase acidity, such as spicy or acidic foods.
- Drinking caffeinated beverages, such as coffee.
- Smoking, as it reduces the ability of the esophageal sphincter to close tightly.
- Anxiety and stress can increase the severity of heartburn.
Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux often occurs as a result of a hiatal hernia, which weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or improperly closes, allowing acid to reflux into the esophagus.
Other factors that increase the risk of GERD include pregnancy, obesity, or eating large or fatty meals.
What's the difference between heartburn and GERD
Heartburn is a temporary symptom caused by stomach acid leaking into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, irritating and damaging it.
Treatment of Heartburn
The treating physician will prescribe the following medications to reduce stomach acid and associated pain, such as:
- Antihistamines to reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine and famotidine.
- Antacids, which quickly relieve acidity.
- Proton pump inhibitors, which significantly reduce stomach acid secretion, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole.
Tips for Reducing Heartburn
To relieve heartburn, it is recommended to adopt healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle by:
- Reducing the amount of food at each meal and eating small, frequent meals.
- Avoid eating hours before bedtime and allow time for rest before lying down.
- Avoid fatty, fried, and spicy foods.
- Reduce caffeine intake, such as coffee, tea, and Nescafe.
- Lose excess weight and avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
How to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Treatment for GERD focuses on lifestyle changes and surgical procedures:
- Fundoplication, which is used in severe cases that have not responded to other treatments.
- Laparoscopic treatment, which helps tighten the sphincter muscle without the need for major surgery.
- Modifying sleeping positions to prevent acid reflux.
- Dietary modifications and avoiding fatty and spicy foods.
- Stop smoking.
- Lose excess weight or treat obesity.
Natural drinks to relieve reflux symptoms
There are some natural drinks that help relieve reflux symptoms, including:
- Chamomile tea, which has soothing properties for the digestive system and helps reduce heartburn.
- Ginger tea, which helps soothe the stomach and reduce acid production due to its antioxidant properties.
- Low-fat milk, which helps relieve reflux.
- Aloe vera juice has a soothing effect on the stomach and digestive system.
Methods for Diagnosing GERD and Acid Reflux
GERD and acid reflux are usually diagnosed through an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach, or by performing esophageal pH tests.
X-rays or barium enema are performed to examine the shape of the esophagus and stomach, and to identify symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding.
Summary of the Difference Between Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Heartburn causes a burning sensation in the chest due to stomach acid leaking into the esophagus, causing burning and pain.
While acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach contents and acids repeatedly reflux into the esophagus due to a dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter.