Acid reflux and heartburn are two related conditions that often occur together. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that normally prevents stomach acid from flowing back up, relaxes or doesn’t close properly.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux that feels like a burning sensation in the chest. It typically occurs after eating a large meal, lying down, or bending over. The burning sensation is caused by stomach acid that has refluxed into the esophagus and irritated the lining of the esophagus.
Causes of Acid Reflux and Heartburn
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of acid reflux and heartburn. Some of the most common causes include:
- Eating large meals or eating too quickly
- Lying down after eating
- Obesity or being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia, a condition where a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Certain medications, such as aspirin, or anti-inflammatories
How to Prevent Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes that can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Some tips include:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy or citrus foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- Avoiding lying down or going to bed immediately after eating
- Elevating the head of the bed to prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus while sleeping
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
- Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
How to Treat Acid Reflux and Heartburn
If lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to treat acid reflux and heartburn. Some common medications include:
- Antacids, which neutralize stomach acid
- H2 blockers, which reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the production of stomach acid
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to treat severe cases of acid reflux and heartburn.
Acid reflux and heartburn are related conditions that are caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. While they share many similarities, heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux that feels like a burning sensation in the chest. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes that can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. If lifestyle changes are not enough, there are several medications that can help to manage the symptoms.
