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Understanding the Difference Between Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD

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 symptoms more effectively.

Heartburn

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

Heartburn

Acid Reflux

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

Acid reflux

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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

Learn more
Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Can you have acid reflux without heartburn?

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

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

Rexall offers medications for acid reflux and GERD, including antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), available over the counter and by prescription.

Talk to your Rexall Pharmacist about the best treatment for your symptoms, past treatments, and other medications. Pharmacists can also prescribe medication for acid reflux and GERD and provide advice on lifestyle changes.

More on Digestive Health

Sources

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd

  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/

  4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-heartburn-acid-reflux-and-gerd

  5. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/heartburn-vs-acid-reflux#acid-reflux

  6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/expert-answers/heartburn-gerd/faq-20057894

  7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15024-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr

The Difference Between Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD | Rexall | Rexall