Understanding the Difference Between Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD

Though often used interchangeably, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, and heartburn are not the same thing. Understanding how they differ can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. Here’s a simple breakdown of their differences:

Heartburn:

A symptom of acid reflux and GERD, characterized by a burning sensation in your chest or throat.

Acid Reflux:

A medical condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus towards the throat, causing symptoms such as sore throat, regurgitation, and you guessed it, heartburn!

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

A medical condition where acid reflux becomes chronic and more severe. The most common symptom being frequent heartburn (two or more times a week).

Can you have acid reflux without heartburn?

Yes, you can have acid reflux without heartburn, this is called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), or silent reflux. Unlike typical acid reflux, LPR affects the throat and voice box more than the esophagus. Symptoms of LPR can include laryngitis, hoarse voice, excessive mucus or phlegm, and a chronic cough or sore throat, among others.

Tip: Despite the misleading name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart.

When you experience acid reflux, stomach acid travels up your esophagus towards your throat, this can irritate and inflame the tissue in the esophagus which is located in the center of your chest. This irritation can feel like a burning sensation near your heart, hence the name ‘heartburn’.

Finding relief for heartburn, acid reflux & GERD

At Rexall, we offer a variety of medications to help with acid reflux and GERD, including antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

If you have acid reflux or GERD symptoms, talk to your Rexall Pharmacist. They can help you find the best treatment based on your symptoms, past treatments, and any other medications you're taking. Our pharmacists can also prescribe medication for acid reflux and GERD and provide advice on lifestyle changes to prevent and ease discomfort.