What Makes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Heartburn and Indigestion Causes Different

Burning is that painful sensation that is commonly experienced with GERD, heartburn and indigestion. Acid is the cause, and what makes the difference is how often or where this painful burn is felt.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux, which is common.

When you have GERD, the muscles at the end of your esophagus do not close tight enough. This allows contents of the stomach to back up, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it.

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when digestive juices (acids) rise up with the food into your throat (esophagus.) When this acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth.

Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. You can have GERD without having heartburn, and other symptoms may could include:

Chronic GERD, that is left untreated, can cause serious throat problems. Stomach acid can damage its lining and cause bleeding or ulcers. Also, scaring from tissue damage can narrow your esophagus making it difficult to swallow.

Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by:

Some people also use the term indigestion to describe the symptom of heartburn.

If you have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors, it may be caused by a problem in the muscular squeezing action of the stomach (motility function).

Other of Interest Health Blurbs:

Other info on GERD:

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