If you’ve ever found yourself asking “Do I have heartburn or GERD’?, you’ll know that it’s easy to mistake one for the other. After all, their symptoms are very similar, and both of them are indeed closely related.
Medically reviewed by Jobelle Ann Dela Cruz Bigalbal, MD · General Practitioner
If you’ve ever found yourself asking “Do I have heartburn or GERD’?, you’ll know that it’s easy to mistake one for the other. After all, their symptoms are very similar, and both of them are indeed closely related.
However, it is important to know the difference between heartburn and GERD. This is mainly because these conditions are treated differently, and in the case of GERD, it can cause severe problems if left untreated.
In order to understand the difference between heartburn and GERD, we need to talk about what these conditions are.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in a person’s chest, usually right behind the breastbone. It can be very painful, and the pain usually radiates upward towards the throat.
Heartburn is a symptom of a condition called acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition that causes stomach acids to go up into the esophagus. This stomach acid is the reason why whenever you experience heartburn, you feel a burning sensation in your chest.
Acid reflux can happen due to a variety of reasons, including the following:
For the most part, heartburn and acid reflux should not be a cause for concern. In fact, millions of people worldwide experience heartburn at least once a month. However, the problem is when heartburn starts to become a regular occurrence.
8 Common Questions About Heartburn, Answered
If a person frequently experiences heartburn, or has chronic acid reflux, then it could be a sign that the person has GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A person is said to have GERD if they experience heartburn at least two times a week. Because of this, the esophagus can get irritated due to constantly being exposed to stomach acids.
People with GERD also experience much more severe and painful cases of heartburn, and if left untreated, it can cause serious problems.
Here are some of the possible complications of GERD:
Asthma has also been associated with GERD. In fact, 75% of people with asthma have some form of GERD. Despite this, the link between the two health conditions is still unclear.
However, GERD does make the symptoms of asthma worse, and some asthma medication can cause GERD to get worse. Additionally, getting treated for GERD can help ease some of the symptoms associated with asthma.
If you think that you might have GERD, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help you avoid any further complications.
Here is a checklist of things that would help you answer the question of “Do i have heartburn or GERD’?
This is just a simple guide that can help you identify if you are just experiencing heartburn, or if it has progressed into GERD.
Of course, it would be best to consult your doctor if you are worried about your symptoms. Your doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and help you with the proper treatment for your condition.
Here are some things that you can do to help manage heartburn or GERD:
When it comes to heartburn and GERD, the best thing to do would be to closely monitor your symptoms. This can help you identify if you might be suffering from GERD, or if it is just a simple case of heartburn.
Learn more about digestive health, here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion