The key difference between heartburn and GERD is that heartburn is known as a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest that often occurs after taking meals, while GERD is a serious form of acid reflux that occurs due to the chronic backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, damaging the body over time.
Heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are terms that are often used interchangeably. But they are different conditions. Heartburn is the feeling of acid reflux. Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. A more serious form of acid reflux is known as GERD. Therefore, heartburn and GERD are two associated medical conditions.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Heartburn
3. What is GERD
4. Similarities – Heartburn and GERD
5. Heartburn vs GERD in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Heartburn vs GERD
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest that often occurs after taking meals or when lying down. This burning sensation normally feels like it is in the heart, but it isn’t really. It is in the esophagus, which is the swallowing tube. Heartburn is an occasional condition for some people but a chronic condition for others. But when it becomes chronic, people may have other gastrointestinal diseases like GERD. The typical symptoms of this condition include burping, a sour taste in the mouth, nausea, regurgitation, stomach bloating, hiccups, chronic cough, asthma, sore throat, laryngitis, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.
Heartburn is due to a weak valve at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. This valve can become weak due to inhaling smoke, extra abdominal pressure, hiatal hernia, heavy metal indigestion, lying too soon after meals, certain foods (coffee, chocolate, citrus fruits, mint, tomato, etc.), certain medications including birth control pills and blood pressure tablets. Heartburn can also be caused by esophageal ulcers, esophagitis, and reflux hypersensitivity.
Moreover, heartburn can be diagnosed through physical examination, upper endoscopy, and esophageal pH test. Furthermore, treatment options for heartburn may include medications such as antacids, alginates, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, topical steroids, low-dose neuromodulators, and hernia repair surgery.
What is GERD?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux, is a serious type of acid reflux. This condition is usually caused due to weakening or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (valve). Lower esophageal sphincter can weaken by too much pressure on the abdomen, a particular type of food like dairy, medications (medications for asthma and high blood pressure), and hiatal hernia. Moreover, common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, a feeling of food struck in the throat, coughing, chest pain, problems in swallowing, vomiting, sore throat, and hoarseness.
GERD can be diagnosed through physical examination, upper gastrointestinal GI endoscopy and biopsy, upper GI series (X-ray) Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry. Furthermore, treatment options for GERD may include medications such as antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, baclofen, laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and LINX device implantation.
What are the Similarities Between Heartburn and GERD?
- Heartburn and GERD are two associated medical conditions.
- Heartburn is a symptom of GERD.
- Both conditions may have similar symptoms, such as chest pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, etc.
- Both conditions can be caused due to weak valve at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (acid reflux problem).
- Both conditions are diagnosed through physical examination and endoscopy.
- They are mainly treated through specific medications.
What is the Difference Between Heartburn and GERD?
Heartburn is a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest that often occurs after taking meals, while GERD is a serious form of acid reflux that occurs due to the chronic backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus that results in damage to the body over time. Thus, this is the key difference between heartburn and GERD. Furthermore, heartburn is a more common condition than GERD.
The below infographic presents the differences between heartburn and GERD in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Heartburn vs GERD
Heartburn and GERD are two associated medical conditions. Heartburn can also be a symptom of GERD. However, heartburn causes a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest after taking meals. GERD is a serious form of acid reflux due to stomach acid’s chronic backflow into the esophagus. It causes damage to the body over time. So, this summarizes the difference between heartburn and GERD.
Reference:
1. “Gerd (Chronic Acid Reflux): Symptoms, Treatment, & Causes.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Heartburn: What It Feels like, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Heartburn” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “GERD” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia