Heartburn vs Acid Reflux vs GERD - What is the difference?
The terms heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD each have a slightly different meaning.
- Heartburn describes the feeling that acid makes when it rises up your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). People say it feels like your heart is burning…hence the term heartburn. The esophagus lies directly behind the heart, so the burning sensation that acid makes when it touches the tissues lining your esophagus is why it feels like it is coming from your heart.
- Acid reflux is what causes heartburn. Stomach acid is escaping out of your stomach and up your esophagus. This is normally due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter (the circular band of muscle that stops the contents of your stomach from regurgitating upwards).
- GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and it is a medical condition. GERD results from a weak lower esophageal sphincter which causes reflux which may lead to symptoms such as heartburn. Reflux from GERD refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus which may be either acidic or non-acidic. Nonacid reflux may not cause any symptoms.
Read next
Is famotidine safer than omeprazole for heartburn?
Famotidine is usually the first choice to treat occasional heartburn if your symptoms occur less than two times per week. It can be used as needed, provides quick relief (within 15 to 30 minutes), and is usually less expensive than omeprazole. Omeprazole may be an option if your heartburn occurs two or more days per week. Both products are available without a prescription. Continue reading
Can you take an antacid with omeprazole?
You can take an antacid with omeprazole if you are still getting symptoms of indigestion because it can take several days for omeprazole to start working. Take omeprazole as directed (usually taken once daily on an empty stomach), and take antacids as needed to relieve indigestion pain after eating. But tell your doctor if several weeks have gone past and omeprazole does not seem to be working or you are still taking antacids. Continue reading
Can you take metformin without food?
If you take metformin without food you may end up with an upset stomach, especially if you are just starting treatment. Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common side effects with metformin and can occur in over a quarter of patients. Continue reading
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