Heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are three commonly confused digestive conditions. While acid reflux refers to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, heartburn is the burning sensation that often accompanies it. GERD is a more severe, chronic form of acid reflux that can lead to complications if untreated. The article clarifies these distinctions and provides helpful tips for managing symptoms through lifestyle changes and treatments like Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon).
Many people use the terms heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD interchangeably, and while they are related, they refer to different aspects of a common digestive issue. In this article, we'll clarify the distinction between these three, especially the difference between GERD and acid reflux, helping you better understand their causes and symptoms.
What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD?
These three terms often get thrown around interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Let’s break it down in simple terms so it’s easier to understand the difference and know when to act.
Acid Reflux: The Trigger
Imagine enjoying a spicy or fatty meal, and soon after, you feel a burning sensation creeping up your chest or throat. That’s acid reflux. It happens when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus9. This occasional annoyance is usually triggered by certain foods, large meals, or lying down too soon after eating10. It’s manageable with small lifestyle tweaks—like avoiding that extra slice of pizza or waiting a bit before hitting the couch after dinner.
Heartburn: The Symptom
Heartburn is what you feel when acid reflux strikes9. It’s that burning pain in your chest that often shows up after meals and gets worse if you lie down or bend over. Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart! It’s all about stomach acid irritating your esophagus. Occasional heartburn is common and often handled by over-the-counter remedies or avoiding triggers.
GERD: When It Becomes Chronic
Now, when acid reflux becomes a frequent visitor, we’re talking about GERD—Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. GERD is a more severe, chronic form of acid reflux9. If you’re dealing with heartburn more than twice a week, regurgitating sour liquid or food, struggling to swallow, or feeling like there’s a lump in your throat, it could be GERD8. Left untreated, GERD can lead to complications like esophagitis1 or Barrett’s esophagus2 and may require medications or even surgery for relief.
How Are Acid Reflux and GERD Different?
Think of acid reflux as the occasional issue and GERD as the long-term problem. Acid reflux happens sporadically, often after eating something acidic, spicy, or heavy. On the other hand, GERD sticks around, bringing along persistent heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms that affect your daily life.
| Quick Tip |
| If you suspect GERD, don’t ignore it. Lifestyle changes, medication, or medical intervention can make a big difference. Even simple tweaks, like eating smaller meals, avoiding late-night snacking, or raising the head of your bed, can help keep GERD symptoms in check. |
With a better understanding of these conditions, you can take the right steps to manage symptoms and enjoy your meals without worry!
What’s the Difference Between Hyperacidity and GERD
Another term that often confuses people is hyperacidity. While it sounds similar to GERD, these are still different and have distinct conditions.
Hyperacidity: Excess Acid
When the hydrochloric acid in our stomach that kills germs becomes excessive, we experience hyperacidity. Its symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and a burning sensation9.
GERD: A Chronic Condition
Involves the backflow of acid into the esophagus, GERD is a more severe chronic condition that can lead to complications if untreated9.
Common Causes of Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD
Though acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are distinct conditions, they share common causes because they all stem from similar issues with the digestive system, particularly the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) 11:
Dietary Triggers
Certain foods and beverages are notorious for triggering acid reflux and heartburn. Large meals put extra pressure on the LES, while fatty, spicy, or acidic foods—like pizza, citrus fruits, and chili—can irritate the esophagus.6 Alcohol and coffee relax the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to escape, while carbonated drinks can increase stomach pressure, pushing acid upwards.7
Lifestyle Factors
Everyday habits can also play a big role. Lying down immediately after eating prevents gravity from helping keep stomach acid in place, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Smoking weakens the LES and can damage the esophageal lining, compounding the problem. Stress, while not a direct cause, can exacerbate symptoms by increasing stomach acid production and leading to poor eating habits3.
Physical Conditions
Certain health conditions make individuals more prone to acid reflux and GERD. Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can push stomach contents into the esophagus4. Pregnancy also places extra pressure on the stomach, especially during the third trimester. A hiatal hernia, a condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, can directly weaken the LES and promote acid reflux.
Medications
Some medications can contribute to acid reflux by relaxing the LES or irritating the esophagus. Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and certain blood pressure medications5, such as calcium channel blockers, are common culprits. If you’re taking any of these and experiencing frequent reflux, it’s worth discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider.
How to Relieve Your Symptoms
Lifestyle Changes
You can try making lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods (spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol), and staying upright for a few hours after eating. Elevating your head while sleeping can also help by reducing acid backflow9.
Over-the-Counter Options
If you want something more accessible with faster relief, you can take Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon). Our complete range of products are designed to relieve heartburn and hyperacidity, providing fast and effective relief.
How Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) Works
Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) uses a unique formulation to provide fast relief from acid reflux and heartburn.
The alginate forms a protective barrier (often referred to as a “raft”) over the stomach contents to soothe the burning sensation in your chest and prevent reflux. The key ingredient, sodium alginate, is extracted from brown seaweed harvested from Norway’s shores.
Meanwhile, the antacid component neutralizes excess stomach acid to help relieve discomfort.
Available in tablet and sachet form, Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon Double Action) utilizes more calcium carbonate with a higher level of antacid - giving you dual relief from heartburn and indigestion that works as fast as 5 minutes and lasts up to 4 hours.
Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) is available at all leading drug stores near you or at the Reckitt Health Official Shop on Lazada and Reckitt Health and Beauty on Shopee.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Esophagitis: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophagitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361224
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Barrett’s esophagus: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/barretts-esophagus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352841
- Holtmann, Kriebel, Singer. (n.d.). Mental stress and gastric acid secretion: Do personality traits influence the response? PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2384046/
- Pandolfino, J. E., & Kahrilas, P. J. (2008). Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology, 135(2), 409–419. Retrieved from https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(08)00155-8/fulltext#:~:text=The%20notion%20that%20obesity%20may,to%20increased%20esophageal%20acid%20exposure
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Heartburn or GERD: Expert answers. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/expert-answers/heartburn-gerd/faq-20058535
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn). Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn
- Sharma, A., & Gupta, R. (2024). Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10458865/
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Acid reflux & GERD. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
- Acid reflux, Heartburn, and GERD: What’s the difference? https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/acid-reflux-heartburn-and-gerd-whats-the-difference Accessed April 14, 2025
- Can Lying Down After Eating Cause Indigestion. https://www.healthline.com/health/lying-down-after-eating#causes-of-indigestion. Accessed April 14, 2025
- Esophageal Disorders. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16976-esophageal-disorders. Accessed April 14, 2025
