Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Are They the Same Thing?
Introduction
That fiery sensation creeping up your chest? For over 60 million Americans¹, that feeling is quite familiar. Acid reflux and heartburn aren't just annoying; they can derail your day. But are they the same thing?
Let’s explore.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus – the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach.¹
How it Occurs
Normally, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a valve, opening to allow food into the stomach and closing to prevent stomach contents from flowing backward. When this valve weakens or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can travel upward into the esophagus, causing acid reflux.²
Where it Happens and Why
Unlike the stomach, which has a protective lining designed to withstand acidic environments, the esophagus lacks this protection. As a result, when stomach acid enters the esophagus, it irritates the sensitive tissue lining, creating a burning sensation. This discomfort is typically felt in the chest area, behind the breastbone, and sometimes extends up toward the throat.²
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Several causes contribute to acid reflux, but essentially, this happens when the valve between your stomach and throat doesn't close properly, letting stomach acid come back up.²
Lifestyle Factors³
Several lifestyle factors can contribute to acid reflux:
- Dietary habits: Consuming large meals or eating shortly before lying down.
- Excess weight: Obesity puts pressure on the abdomen, pushing stomach contents upward.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can weaken the LES, giving acid a chance to escape the stomach.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and digestive issues.
Medical Conditions³
Certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing acid reflux:
- Hiatal hernia: When the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm muscle.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing fetus can cause reflux.
- Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like scleroderma can weaken the LES.
Common Food and Drink Triggers
Spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato products, chocolate, mint, fried or fatty foods, garlic and onions, as well as juices, alcohol, and carbonated beverages, are known to trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Acid Reflux Signs ²
Occasional acid reflux is common and nothing to worry about, but frequent episodes can escalate into serious complications. These recurring symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life, often intensifying after meals or during nighttime hours.
Common symptoms²
Here's what you might feel if you have acid reflux:
- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), especially after eating
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling like there's a lump in your throat
- Chronic cough, especially at night
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Bad breath
- Chest pain
- Disturbed sleep
- New or worsening asthma symptoms
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Acid reflux is the actual backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, while heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest that results from this reflux. Basically, acid reflux is the cause, and heartburn is the symptom.
Key Differences and Similarities
| Acid Reflux | Heartburn | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Stomach acid flowing back up | The burning feeling caused by acid reflux |
| Symptoms | • Cough • Sore throat • Sour taste in the mouth • Burning and pressure in the breastbone | A burning sensation in the chest |
| How long does it last? | Can be chronic and occur regularly | Typically episodic, lasting minutes to hours |
| Potential Complications | Can develop into GERD, Barrett's esophagus, or esophageal cancer if chronic | Not a complication itself, but frequent heartburn can indicate GERD |
*Heartburn can sometimes feel like a heart attack so discuss it with your healthcare provider: If your chest pain gets worse, or you have trouble breathing, if you experience sweating, dizziness, or arm/jaw pain, call 911 right away.
When Acid Reflux Turns to GERD?
If you experience acid reflux two or more times a week, or if it's causing damage to your esophagus, you may have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic, more severe form of reflux that requires medical care and ongoing management by your healthcare provider.
Acid Reflux Relief Options
Getting relief from acid reflux often means a mix of simple changes to your daily routine and, sometimes, medication.
Lifestyle Modifications:¹
- Dietary Adjustments: Eliminate trigger foods like spicy dishes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and caffeine.
- Weight Management: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach, exacerbating reflux.
- Elevating the Head of Your Bed: Raising the head of your bed can help gravity keep stomach acid down during sleep. While not a replacement for medical treatment, some people find relief with these home remedies.
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES, making it more prone to failing.
Natural Remedies
While some people find relief with home remedies, they are not a replacement for medical treatment, and persistent (or severe) acid reflux should always be discussed with your doctor.
Here are a few common natural remedies some people have tried:⁴
- Ginger: Is known for its digestive benefits and which may be attributed to anti-inflammatory properties, though the evidence is inconclusive at this time.
- Milk: Nonfat milk can provide temporary relief by buffering stomach acid. Low-fat yogurt offers similar soothing qualities and beneficial probiotics.
- Apple cider vinegar: Some people claim to find relief with a tablespoon mixed in water, though this doesn't work for everyone and lacks scientific evidence.
- Lemon water: Despite its acidity, lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey can have an alkalizing effect, helping to neutralize stomach acid.
- Stay upright after meals: Gravity helps keep stomach acid down where it belongs.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux Relief Medications
Several medications can help manage acid reflux and heartburn. Antacids provide quick, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid production, offering longer-lasting heartburn relief. Always consult a doctor, as some medications require medical supervision.
Prilosec Relief
While over-the-counter medications do not treat acid reflux, Prilosec OTC does provide powerful, 24-hour relief for frequent heartburn with just one pill a day. As the #1 gastroenterologist-recommended frequent heartburn medicine†, Prilosec OTC works all day and night to block heartburn by preventing excess acid production at the source.*
While Prilosec OTC is a simple way to manage frequent heartburn, for acid reflux it is important to be under a doctor's care to develop a long-term treatment plan.
Ultimately, your journey to managing acid reflux and heartburn is about knowledge. By understanding the causes and differences, you can make informed decisions about your health and treatment. While lifestyle changes and treatments like Prilosec OTC can help treat frequent heartburn, it's always a good idea to see your doctor for more personalized care and to prevent possible complications.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine. Heartburn: what you need to know. MedlinePlus Magazine. January 20, 2020. Accessed April 28, 2025.
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/heartburn-what-you-need-to-know - National Library of Medicine. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. MedlinePlus Magazine. Last reviewed January 30th, 2023. Accessed June 4th, 2025.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000265.htm#:~:text=Gastroesophageal%20reflux%20disease%20(GERD)%20is,cause%20heartburn%20and%20other%20symptoms. - Loma Linda University Health. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Loma Linda University Health website. Accessed June 4, 2025.
https://lluh.org/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd - Johns Hopkins Medicine. GERD Diet: Foods That Help With Acid Reflux Heartburn. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn