What’s The Difference Between Heartburn And Indigestion

Indigestion Doesn’t Always Involve Reflux

Indigestion conveys that a person is having unpleasant stomach symptoms, perhaps associated with his intake or a specific meal, but not necessarily so. Occasional heartburn from acid reflux is very common, so for many people who say they have indigestion, it’s likely they are referring to acid reflux symptoms. However, many possibilities other than acid reflux can make a person feel like there’s something wrong with their stomach. For some, the medical term dyspepsia is a better fit than heartburn for these symptoms. Dyspepsia is a burning discomfort in the stomach, sometimes likened to hunger pains — except that it occurs on a full stomach, too. Like acid reflux, dyspepsia may be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, including belching, bloating and feelings of gassiness, nausea or fullness.

Acid Reflux Vs Indigestion

The difference between acid reflux and indigestion is that acid reflux occurs when acid produced by the stomach flows up into the esophagus. Indigestion is persistence or recurring pain in the upper abdomen.

In most individuals, indigestion occurs on and off and its chronic. Rennie can help ease the discomfort caused by indigestion.

A Pharmacist Can Help With Indigestion

A pharmacist can recommend medicines to ease the burning feeling or pain that can come with indigestion.

Medicines that help reduce acid in your stomach include:

• antacids
• proton pump inhibitors

Some indigestion medicines are best to take after eating as their effects last longer. Check the information leaflet that comes with the medicines for more information.

Recommended Reading: Can Turmeric Give You Diarrhea

We’re Sorry The Page You’re Looking For Can’t Be Found

It is possible that you used an outdated or expired MedicineNet link or you may have typed the address incorrectly.

Please try searching using the search field above. If you’re not sure of the spelling, type the first few letters, followed by an asterisk.

To help you find what you are looking for, these links may help.

Browse our A-Z Lists:

Is There A Difference Between Acid Reflux And Indigestion

Quite often, the terms acid reflux and indigestion are used interchangeably without fully understanding the differences between the two.

There are in fact a number of differences between the two as indigestion is not, as many believe, just a milder form of acid reflux.

Rennie have taken the time to look into the two issues, and have put together this guide to allow you to understand the differences for yourself.

Also Check: 28 Weeks Pregnant With Diarrhea

Difference Between Heartburn And Chest Pain

It is never comfortable to feel some pain on your chest and it is most likely something that you should not be feeling at all. Experts recommend that you call 911 as soon as you see that the pain in your chest isnt caused by any type of easy physical explanation .

There are literally hundreds of possible causes for chest pain, so if you do feel some chest pain you dont need to be alarmed. You should call 911 because it might be something serious, but there are experts at the other end of the line that will understand if you are going through something serious or not.

The Next Steps May Differ

While occasional heartburn or indigestion happens to most people at some point, symptoms that occur frequently or over an extended period of time need to be evaluated by your doctor, as they could indicate a serious illness.

In some cases, heartburn and indigestion respond to lifestyle changes. Avoiding trigger foods, shedding excess weight, not eating too close to bedtime and elevating the head of the bed are all potentially helpful. Eating smaller meals, eating more slowly, not smoking or consuming alcohol and reducing stress may be helpful as well. Heartburn also responds to over-the-counter and prescription medications that suppress stomach acid.

If the underlying cause of your symptoms is unclear, additional tests may be needed in some instances and an endoscopy may be performed. Endoscopy is a procedure in which a slender tube containing a camera is slid down the throat to examine digestive tract lining. Testing can also determine the presence of H. pylori bacteria. If your doctor identifies an underlying cause of indigestion, a specific treatment program may be recommended.

Medical advisor: Jonathan E. Aviv, M.D., FACS

Don’t Miss: Soy Milk Causing Diarrhea

Indigestion Vs Heartburn And Gerd

It is common for people to confuse indigestion with heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease , but these are separate conditions. Some people who experience heartburn describe it as indigestion. Although both conditions have similar triggers, and in many instances may even be treated similarly, indigestion isn’t the same thing as heartburn. Indigestion is an overall condition, whereas heartburn may be a symptom of indigestion, GERD, or other underlying diagnosis.

Occasionally, heartburn is one of the symptoms of indigestion. Heartburn is felt when stomach acid comes up through the lower esophageal sphincter that links your esophagus to your stomach. This causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. When you feel the taste in the back of your mouth it may be called acid indigestion. Gastroesophageal reflux is when your stomach contents come back up into the esophagus GERD is classified as a sustained or chronic state of GER.

How To Relieve Heartburn And Indigestion

Both heartburn and indigestion treatment options neutralise stomach acid, reduce the production of stomach acid, or form a physical barrier to help prevent stomach acid from moving into the oesophagus.

Medications for heartburn and indigestion include

• Antacids that work by neutralising the acid produced by your stomach
• Alginates that form a raft to block acid from travelling back into the oesophagus
• H2-antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors that work to stop the production of acid in your stomach

Other ways you can help relieve or prevent heartburn and indigestion include:

• Avoiding or limiting food and drinks that can trigger symptoms
• Eating smaller meals
• Waiting 2 to 3 hours after eating or drinking before lying down

Read Also: What Does It Mean If I Have Lactoferrin In My Stool

The Causes May Differ

Heartburn is caused by reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, where it causes irritation and burning. A muscular ring at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter normally prevents reflux, but sometimes it fails to form a good seal. There are many foods that can trigger heartburn, such as fatty foods, spicy foods and alcohol — which is known to cause relaxation of the sphincter muscle. Common medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers also relax the lower esophageal sphincter and may contribute to heartburn.

When acid reflux is not the cause of indigestion or dyspepsia, often there is no other reason found — that is, there is no evidence of a disease or any visible harm to the tissues. However, some cases of dyspepsia do arise from specific illnesses, including: – stomach or intestinal ulcers or cancer – infection of the stomach with H. pylori bacteria – other conditions that cause inflammation of the stomach lining – hiatal hernia, a problem in which the stomach bulges into the chest cavity – problems with muscular contractions of esophagus and stomach – problems with the pancreas or the flow of bile – certain medications such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs

Like GERD, indigestion is often triggered by eating too much or too quickly, or by certain foods such as fatty foods or alcohol. Indigestion is also more likely to occur if you are feeling stressed or anxious.

When Do You Refer To Dyspepsia

nausea OR vomiting and ANY of: dyspepsia or weight loss or reflux upper or abdominal pain upper abdominal pain and low Hb levels raised platelet count with ANY of dyspepsia or nausea or vomiting or weight loss or reflux if 55 with treatment-resistant dyspepsia: follow local policy first then refer on 2ww form

Read Also: Best Time To Take Align Probiotic

About The Partnership Between Ut Health Austin And Ascension Seton

The collaboration between UT Health Austin and Ascension Seton brings together medical professionals, medical school learners, and researchers who are all part of the integrated mission of transforming healthcare delivery and redesigning the academic health environment to better serve society. This collaboration allows highly specialized providers who are at the forefront of the latest research, diagnostic, and technological developments to build an integrated system of care that is a collaborative resource for clinicians and their patients.

What Is Acid Reflux

A circular muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter joins your esophagus and stomach. This muscle is in charge of tightening your esophagus after food passes to the stomach. If this muscle is weak or doesnt tighten properly, the acid from your stomach can move backward into your esophagus. This is known as acid reflux.

Acid reflux can cause heartburn and other symptoms that include:

• cough

• trouble swallowing

Most people can experience heartburn and acid reflux intermittently related to something they ate or habits like lying down immediately after eating. However, GERD is a chronic condition where doctors start to examine long-lasting habits and parts of a persons anatomy that could cause GERD. Examples of the causes of GERD include:

• being overweight or obese, which puts extra pressure on the stomach
• hiatal hernia, which reduces pressure in the LES
• smoking
• consuming alcohol
• pregnancy
• taking medicines known to weaken the LES, such as antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, pain-relieving medicines, sedatives, and antidepressants

Symptoms of GERD may disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, they can usually be controlled with treatment. Options include:

• diet modification
• smoking cessation
• alcohol cessation

Medications for GERD work to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. They may not be effective for everyone. Some people need surgery to help reinforce the LES.

Read Also: Does Almond Milk Cause Bloating

Q: Are Heartburn And Acid Reflux The Same Thing What About Gerd

A: They are different but related. It starts with the esophagus. The esophagus is made up of predominantly smooth muscle. It extends from the throat down through the chest cavity and, when it gets past the abdomen, joins up with the stomach. When you swallow, the esophagus opens and then squeezes food down.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

At the very bottom of theesophagus, there is a valve that separates it from the stomach. That valve shouldnormally be closed. When you swallow, it opens so that food can pass through,and then it closes again. Acid reflux is a disorder that occurs when that valveopens when its not supposed to, so stomach contents can flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus and causesymptoms.

Now, normal individuals can have up to an hour of reflux per day and not feel it. But if people have problematic reflux, it can cause heartburn, which is a burning thats felt mid-chest, below the sternum, especially after meals or at night when you lie down. So heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Acid reflux can also cause regurgitation.

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Its a more severe form of acid reflux where the stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus becomes problematic. It can also cause a cough or the feeling that theres a lump in the back of your throat.

Heartburn Acid Reflux And Gerd

The terms heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are often used interchangeably. They actually have very different meanings.

Acid reflux is a common medical condition that can range in severity from mild to serious. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and GERD.

You May Like: Are Probiotics Good For Colitis

Heartburn And Gerd In Pregnant Women

Heartburn and GERD are commonly associated with pregnancy and can occur in women who may never have had GERD symptoms before. Pregnant women usually experience GERD symptoms around the first trimester. It then worsens in the last trimester. The good news is that when your baby is born, your symptoms usually go away.

Pregnancy can increase levels of the hormone progesterone, which can cause the muscles of the lower esophagus to relax. This makes it more likely that acid will reflux. Increased pressure on the stomach from a growing uterus can also increase a womans likelihood for having GERD.

Symptoms include pain that gets worse after a meal and acid regurgitation. Because the symptoms tend to be temporary, a woman usually doesnt experience the long-term complications associated with GERD, like ongoing inflammation.

Doctors usually avoid prescribing too many medications while a woman is pregnant because the medicine can be passed along to the fetus. Instead, doctors usually recommend making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods known to cause acid reflux and sleeping with the head slightly elevated. Taking antacids that contain magnesium, aluminum, and calcium may be permitted. However, antacids with sodium bicarbonate should be avoided in pregnant women because they can affect a womans fluid volumes.

When To See A Doctor About Heartburn Vs Indigestion

If your symptoms of heartburn and/or indigestion dont improve after a few weeks of home remedies and preventive measures, see your doctor.

Chronic heartburn or indigestion issues could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. To get to the root of chronic indigestion or heartburn issues, your doctor may order a few tests, including:

• a physical exam of your abdomen
• acid probe tests to measure when stomach acid reaches back into your esophagus
• imaging tests, such as X-rays and endoscopies , to look at your esophagus and stomach
• blood or stool tests to rule out bacterial infections that may be causing indigestion

• pain in your abdomen that doesnt go away
• frequent vomiting
• blood in vomit or stools
• tar-colored stools

Recommended Reading: Does Peanut Butter Cause Heartburn

Learn What Causes Heartburn Symptoms And How To Control Them

That burning sensation in your chest and throat, often accompanied by a bitter taste in your mouth, is a common ailment known as heartburn. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, some 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and about 15 million people have daily flareups. In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Richard Onishi, MD, a family medicine physician with Scripps Clinic in Carmel Valley, about what causes heartburn and how to control it.

What is heartburn and what causes it?

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is a form of indigestion, which is a broad term that includes upper abdominal pain often associated with food or other causes. Heartburn happens when acid in the stomach backs up, or refluxes, into the upper abdominal area and, sometimes, the esophagus and the back of the throat.

Your stomach is an acidic environment, and its protected by a layer of mucous, says Dr. Onishi. Unfortunately, the esophagus doesnt have that same protection, so if the acid refluxes up into the esophagus it causes a burning pain.

Along with burning in the chest and throat, heartburn symptoms may include regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and a feeling of having something stuck in the throat. Some people may have a chronic cough.

Heartburn and GERD

A variety of factors can trigger GERD. The most common include:

Related tags:

About Ut Health Austin

UT Health Austin is the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide patients with an unparalleled quality of care. Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care of uncompromising quality and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, priorities, and beliefs. Working directly with you, your care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you in the care room and beyond. For more information, call us at or request an appointment here.

Read Also: What Does It Mean When You Keep Having Heartburn

Gerd: The More Serious Cause

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease .

Like its name suggests, GERD is a more serious version of acid reflux. They can both cause heartburn. Often people who experience heartburn more than twice a week have GERD.

GERD happens when the closure in your lower esophaguswhich is near your stomachbecomes weak or relaxes when it should not. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dry cough, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing.

Treating GERD may require prescription medications. Occasionally, surgery or other procedures may be necessary.

If you suspect you have GERD, make sure to see your provider or a gastroenterologist, a doctor who focuses on the digestive system. This can help prevent future damage to your esophagus, or cancer.

MedlinePlus National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Image credit:

When Should I Call The Doctor About Indigestion

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting or blood in vomit
• Weight loss
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools
• Severe pain in theà abdomen
• Discomfort unrelated to eating

Symptoms similar to indigestion may be caused by heart attacks. If indigestion is unusual, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, seek medical attention immediately.

Read Also: Can Align Probiotic Cause Nausea