Are acid reflux and heartburn the same?

Heartburn and acid reflux can be related to one another, but they are not the same thing.

Heartburn describes a burning pain in the chest. Acid reflux is when the contents of the stomach move back up into the esophagus, or food pipe.

Acid reflux can cause heartburn. This happens when stomach acid irritates the ring of muscle, or sphincter, at the bottom of the esophagus.

This sphincter usually keeps stomach acid from moving back up the digestive tract. However, under certain circumstances, the sphincter may not be able to stay closed, resulting in reflux.

If that is the case, a person may also experience:

• a sensation of burning or sour liquid in the throat
• bloating
• nausea
• food regurgitation

It is typical for people to experience heartburn and acid reflux occasionally, especially after eating a large meal. It will usually go away on its own and is not cause for concern. People can take over-the-counter antacids for temporary symptom relief.

More persistent heartburn can occur for many reasons. If it occurs very frequently, a person may have gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), a more severe and persistent form of the condition.

Risk factors for GERD include:

• pregnancy
• obesity
• smoking
• drinking alcohol
• lying down after meals
• underlying conditions, such as a hiatal hernia

However, other things can also cause heartburn without acid reflux, such as:

• functional heartburn, which is when a person has heartburn but no visible signs of acid reflux in the esophagus
• frequent vomiting
• ulcers in the esophagus
• eosinophilic esophagitis, which is a chronic immune condition that inflames the esophagus
• infections in the esophagus, such as thrush, though this usually occurs more in people with compromised immune systems
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin

If people have frequent heartburn, with or without reflux, they should consult a doctor. There are numerous causes, and each can have different treatments, so it is important to get a professional diagnosis.

Heartburn, alongside chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, can also be a symptom of a heart attack. Seek immediate help if a person has the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing
• chest pain, pressure, or squeezing
• pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, back, or stomach
• wheezing or coughing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• sweating
• nausea or vomiting