Is there a difference between heartburn and acid reflux?
Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at
5:15 pm
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Medically speaking, heartburn is a sensation of warmth or burning in the chest (esophagus). Heartburn may be a symptom of GERD. If you have frequent heartburn (several times a week), you may need to be evaluated for GERD.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (between your esophagus and stomach) fails to close properly, forcing stomach acids into your esophagus. The esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated and may shed cells (erosive esophagitis). This inflammation may lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett’s Esophagus, which may then lead to esophageal cancer. You do NOT have to have heartburn for this damage to be occurring.
Barium x-rays are the simplest tests to determine GERD. You drink a chalky fluid while being x-rayed; this will reveal whether your lower esophageal sphincter functions properly.
GERD can usually be controlled by medications and by lifestyle changes such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding foods that cause GERD.
The Mayo Clinic has an excellent article about GERD at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967.
No.
Yes, heartburn can usually be cured quickly with rolaids, tum, etc, acid reflux is much more serious and needs prescription strengh medication to control the symptoms.