Acid Reflux vs. Heartburn vs. GERD: What’s the Difference?

If you often feel a burning sensation in your chest after meals, wake up with a sour taste in your mouth, or experience discomfort when lying down, you might have heard terms like acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the exact. Understanding their differences can help you seek timely treatment and avoid complications. In this blog, Dr. Vikrant Kale, an experienced gastroenterologist in Pune, explains what each term means, its causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical help.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows back (refluxes) into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. Commonly, a ring-like muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) controls stomach contents from moving backward. When this muscle becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, acid flows upward, leading to reflux.

Causes of acid reflux include:

Eating large meals or lying down instantly after eating
Obesity
Pregnancy
Certain foods and drinks (spicy food, citrus, chocolate, alcohol, coffee)
Smoking
Hiatal hernia

Symptoms of acid reflux:

Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Regurgitation of food or liquid
Difficulty swallowing
A feeling of a lump in the throat

It’s important to note that acid reflux is the action or process itself, whereas heartburn is the symptom it often causes.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is not a condition — it’s a symptom. When stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes irritation and inflammation. This results in a burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone. This feeling can sometimes move up to the throat and even cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. The term heartburn can be confusing because it has nothing to do with the heart. However, because the burning pain is felt near the chest, people may mistake intense heartburn for a heart attack.

Typical signs of heartburn include:

A burning pain in the chest after eating
Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
A bitter or acidic taste at the back of the throat
A feeling that food is coming back up

While occasional heartburn is usually nothing to worry about, frequent heartburn could be a symptom of something more serious.

What is GERD?

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. If acid reflux happens frequently and causes troublesome symptoms or complications, it is termed GERD.

Key features of GERD:

Heartburn happens more than twice a week
Persistent regurgitation
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
Sensation of a lump in the throat
Worsening asthma or respiratory problems due to acid aspiration
Dental erosion due to acid exposure

Over time, untreated GERD can lead to severe complications, including:

Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus lining)
Esophageal strictures (narrowing due to scarring, leading to swallowing difficulty)
Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes in esophagus lining cells)
Increased risk of esophageal cancer

How Are Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD Related?

Think of it this way:

Acid reflux is the process where stomach acid moves back into the esophagus.
Heartburn is a symptom caused by acid reflux – the burning chest sensation.
GERD is a disease, a chronic condition where acid reflux appears frequently, leading to symptoms and potential complications.

In short, acid reflux can cause heartburn, and if acid reflux happens often, it is called GERD.

Diagnosis and Tests:

If you experience symptoms more than twice a week or if symptoms interfere with your daily life, it is important to consult a stomach specialist in Pune. Dr. Vikrant Kale may recommend:

Upper GI endoscopy to examine the esophageal lining for damage
pH monitoring to measure acid levels in the esophagus
Esophageal manometry to assess LES function
Barium swallow X-ray to detect reflux-related structural problems

Treatment Options:

Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment:

Eat smaller, frequent meals
Avoid lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating
Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, citrus, chocolate, alcohol, coffee)
Quit smoking

Medications for acid reflux and GERD include:

Antacids (quick relief for occasional symptoms)
H2 blockers (reduce acid production)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more useful for healing the esophagus lining.
Prokinetics (help stomach empty faster in selected cases)

Surgical treatment may be required for severe GERD not responding to medications. The most common is fundoplication, where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Occasional heartburn is common and can often be controlled with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter antacids. However, if you experience frequent or severe signs, it’s time to see a specialist. You should see a gastroenterologist if you:

Have heartburn more than twice a week
Need to take over-the-counter heartburn medications regularly
Experience difficulty swallowing or feel like food is stuck
Have unexplained weight loss
Vomit frequently or vomit blood
Notice black or tarry stools
Have constant chest pain

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD can help you manage your symptoms better and know when to seek medical care. Occasional reflux and mild heartburn can often be controlled with simple modifications in diet and lifestyle. But if you find that your symptoms are frequent or worsening, don’t ignore them — consult a qualified gastroenterologist for proper evaluation and treatment. At Kaizen Gastro Care, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis and advanced treatment options for acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD. If you have persistent digestive discomfort, book an appointment with me, Dr. Vikrant Kale, and take the first step toward a healthier digestive system.