Acid Reflux vs Heartburn: The Key Differences Explained
About one in five people experience heartburn or acid regurgitation every week. Another two out of five experience these symptoms every month. Though both symptoms are common, not many people know how to recognize the difference between acid reflux vs heartburn.
What does acid reflux feel like? How can you recognize when you’re experiencing heartburn?
Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review the key differences. If you encounter these symptoms firsthand, you’ll know exactly when to call for help.
Read on to discover the difference between heartburn vs acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux?
Before we answer the question “what is acid reflux,” it helps to know a little more about the human body. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) connects your stomach and esophagus. This muscle tightens your esophagus as you eat.
When the muscle grows weak, acid can move from your stomach back into your esophagus.
This process is known as acid reflux.
If you have chronic acid reflux, you might develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is a common symptom of both acid reflux and GERD. Using a gerd pillow could help.
What is Heartburn?
About 60 million Americans experience heartburn once a month. In fact, about 15 million Americans experience symptoms daily.
Despite the name, heartburn doesn’t involve your heart. Instead, heartburn develops in your digestive system’s esophagus.
This pain occurs when contents from your stomach get backed up within your esophagus.
You might feel mild or severe pain in your chest, which is why some people mistake heartburn for a heart attack.
Some people experience heartburn after eating. Certain foods can make your heartburn worse, including spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate. Other foods include fried foods, citrus fruits, peppermint, and tomato.
You can also make heartburn worse if you’re overweight, taking certain medications, or smoking.
What does heartburn feel like? Most people experience a burning sensation in the chest. Others notice a bitter taste in the mouth or throat.
When to Contact Your Doctor
When trying to recognize if you have acid reflux vs heartburn, pay attention to your symptoms. Heartburn is accompanied by:
- Dizziness
- Blood stools
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Though heartburn isn’t connected with heart attacks, you might experience arm pain or crushing chest pain as well.
If you have acid reflux, on the other hand, you might experience:
- Heartburn
- A sour taste
- Regurgitation
- Dyspepsia
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
Contact your doctor right away if you experience dizziness, sweating, difficulty breathing, or arm pain. These symptoms could indicate you’re having a heart attack.
In some cases, you’ll need to visit the emergency room for GERD. Visit a doctor if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing. Regular, severe vomiting is a warning sign as well.
Acid Reflux vs Heartburn: How to Recognize the Difference
To recap, what exactly is the difference between acid reflux vs heartburn? The symptoms will help you differentiate the two. Make sure to visit your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms.
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