Most people are familiar with heartburn, that burning sensation in the chest that sets in after a big, rich, or spicy meal. But is it heartburn, acid reflux, or both?
Your confusion is warranted. Many people use these terms interchangeably; even ads and commercials sometimes get it wrong.
Dr. Darrien Gaston, our board-certified specialist at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants in Chicago, Illinois, is here to give you the straight facts and clear up the confusion.
Despite its misleading name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but the problem is close to your heart. It’s your esophagus. Your lower esophagus, to be exact. If and when stomach acid makes its way up into your esophagus, it irritates the lining, and you experience a burning sensation anywhere from your stomach to your throat.
Heartburn is a symptom, not a condition. Many experience it occasionally when they eat certain foods, feel stressed, or overeat. If you figure out what triggers your occasional heartburn, you can prevent future episodes.
If you have heartburn more than twice a week, call Dr. Gaston. Frequent heartburn could indicate a more serious condition.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents—especially acid—creep up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, usually prevents this backward flow, but if the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, acid reflux can occur.
One of the most common symptoms of acid reflux is heartburn, but it’s not the only one. You could also experience a sour taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a chronic cough.
Diet and weight also affect acid reflux.
For example, spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, and caffeine can trigger acid reflux.
Being overweight or obese — even pregnant — puts upward pressure on your LES, which can cause acid reflux.
Dr. Gaston can help you identify and resolve the source of acid reflux. If weight is an issue, he offers non-surgical solutions, such as Orbera™ Managed Weight Loss System and AspireAssist®.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux. When you have GERD, you have frequent acid reflux and severe heartburn and may experience regurgitation and difficulty swallowing. If you don’t treat it, it can cause serious complications, such as laryngitis, a narrowed esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus, and even cancer.
For GERD, Dr. Gaston typically recommends lifestyle changes, medications, or even surgery in severe cases.
We mentioned that diet affects acid reflux, so avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms, eating smaller meals, staying upright immediately after eating, and eating healthier can make a big difference.
In addition to losing weight (if needed), you can also decrease acid reflux by quitting smoking (if you smoke) and cutting back on alcoholic beverages (if you drink them).
Over-the-counter antacids can temporarily relieve occasional heartburn, but don’t use them for long-term management.
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medical treatments may be necessary.
For frequent acid reflux and GERD, Dr. Gaston may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid production.
Occasional heartburn is normal, but chronic acid reflux isn’t. To learn more and get help, call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants in Chicago, Illinois.
