Is it acid reflux or heartburn, and is there a difference?

You may hear acid reflux referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). When it becomes more chronic or severe, it may progress into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or partially digested food flows back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscle that acts like a valve between the stomach and esophagus—relaxes or weakens. Increased abdominal pressure or delayed stomach emptying can also increase the likelihood of reflux.

What Is Heartburn?

The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid irritating the sensitive lining of the esophagus.

Other common symptoms may include:

• A tart or bitter taste in the mouth
  

• Pain or burning that worsens when lying down or bending over

Key Differences Between Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD

• Acid reflux (GER): The process of stomach contents moving back into the esophagus

• Heartburn: The burning sensation caused by acid reflux
  

• GERD: A chronic, more serious form of acid reflux that happens more than twice per week and may require medical treatment

Quick Tips to Prevent Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Certain foods and habits can trigger symptoms of reflux. While triggers vary from person to person, common culprits include:

• Carbonated beverages

• Spicy foods

• Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruit)

• High-fat meals (which lower LES pressure and slow stomach emptying)

Lifestyle tips that may help:

• Drink beverages between meals instead of during meals

• Eat smaller, more balanced portions.

• Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation and reduce abdominal pressure.

• Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating.

• Keep portions moderate—large meals are more likely to trigger reflux

When to Seek Medical Care

• Occasional reflux is normal for many people.
  

• If you experience reflux symptoms more than twice a week, contact your healthcare provider—it may be a sign of GERD.
  

• If you experience chest pressure or crushing pain, call 911 immediately, as it could signal a heart attack.

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2. _{Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 13). Heartburn. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223} 

3. _{Rosen, R. D. (2023, March 17). Physiology, lower esophageal sphincter. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557452/} 

4. _{U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, July). Definition & Facts for GER & GERD - Niddk. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts} 

5. _{U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Heartburn | Pyrosis. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/heartburn.html}