The Difference Between Acid Reflux And GERD
January 17, 2023
Acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are both conditions that involve the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
The terms acid reflux and GERD are often used interchangeably, as they both involve the backward flowing, or reflux, of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux refers to the occasional occurrence of heartburn or indigestion, while GERD is a more chronic condition that causes frequent and severe symptoms.
How Common Is GERD?
According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 20% of Americans have GERD.
What Are Symptoms Of Acid Reflux And GERD?
Symptoms of acid reflux and GERD may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
Other common symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:
- Acid regurgitation: the feeling of acid coming back up the esophagus, leaving a sour, bitter taste
- Nausea: the feeling of wanting to vomit
- Dry cough: a persistent cough that does not produce mucus
- Hoarseness: a change in the voice or difficulty speaking
- Sore throat: a feeling of discomfort or pain in the throat
- Bad breath: a persistent bad smell in the mouth
- Belching: the act of expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth.
When the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn occur at least twice a week, you may have GERD.
When researchers compared the answers of GERD patients to those of people with other illnesses, they found that some have a worse quality of life than patients with menopausal symptoms, peptic ulcers, angina or congestive heart failure. If you're suffering from symptoms of GERD, don't ignore the problem. With a few lifestyle changes and a little help from your doctor, you can keep the acid where it belongs.
Does Heartburn Mean You Have GERD?
Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD, but the two terms are not interchangeable. Heartburn is a feeling of discomfort, burning or pain in the chest or throat, often caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The pain usually flares up after meals (especially large meals) and lasts for as long as two hours. Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD, but not everyone with GERD experiences heartburn.
More than 60 million Americans have occasional heartburn (once a month). More than 15 million suffer from daily heartburn.
How Can You Help Heartburn At Home?
Many times, occasional heartburn can be reduced by losing excess weight and avoiding foods that trigger your heartburn, such as fried and fatty foods, alcohol, etc. A good place to start is to avoid coffee, alcohol and smoking, experts say.
Occasional heartburn can be relieved by over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications. Learn more about home remedies for heartburn.
But if you are experiencing recurring reflux, talk with your doctor about treatment options.
“If you have symptoms on a regular basis and treat the symptoms with over-the-counter therapies that aren’t effective, we want to correctly diagnose you and get you the proper therapy,” said Kevin Burke, DO, a gastroenterologist at the Franciscan Physician Network Woodland Health Center in Michigan City.
How Is GERD Diagnosed?
Your doctor may conduct a barium X-ray or other testing options, including endoscopy and wireless pH monitoring, to confirm GERD. With wireless pH monitoring, a wireless capsule is attached to the lower esophagus, where it remains for up to four days before falling off on its own. The capsule, which is roughly the size of a pencil eraser, transmits data on the amount of acid in the esophagus and is a helpful tool in diagnosing GERD.
“We want to streamline the workup and get data quickly so we can treat the patient appropriately,” Dr. Burke said. “We’re really focused on giving them quick and accurate care.”
What Are Risks Of Untreated GERD?
Untreated GERD can damage cells and tissues in your esophagus and cause serious complications.
Risks of untreated GERD include these 10 complications:
- Damage to the esophagus: Acid reflux can cause inflammation and erosion of the esophageal lining, leading to complications such as esophagitis, ulcers, hoarseness, difficulty speaking and scarring.
- Esophagitis: This is inflammation of the esophagus caused by the irritation of stomach acid. It can lead to difficulty swallowing and can cause ulcers to form in the esophagus.
- Barrett's esophagus: This is a pre-cancerous condition in which the cells lining the esophagus change due to chronic acid reflux. It can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
- Strictures: In severe cases, scar tissue from constant irritation by stomach acid can build up in the esophagus, causing it to narrow and making it difficult to swallow.
- Aspiration: If acid reflux reaches the respiratory tract, it can cause coughing, choking and difficulty breathing.
- Asthma: GERD can trigger asthma symptoms or make asthma symptoms worse.
- Damage to teeth: Acid reflux can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and decay.
- Sleep problems: Acid reflux can cause heartburn and discomfort at night, leading to sleep disruption.
- Poor nutrition: Difficulty swallowing or reduced appetite due to GERD can lead to malnutrition.
- Chronic cough: GERD can cause a chronic cough or hoarseness in some individuals.
“It impacts quality of life as well when patients simply can’t eat what they used to eat,” Dr. Burke said.
GERD also can increase a patient’s risk of esophageal cancer, especially in patients with other risk factors for cancer, including obesity, being Caucasian, a history of smoking and a family history of esophageal cancer.
It is important to seek treatment for GERD to prevent these complications and to manage the symptoms of the condition. Speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing frequent or severe symptoms of acid reflux or GERD to determine the appropriate treatment. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Fortunately, there are several medication and surgical options to control GERD.
How Can GERD Or Acid Reflux Be Treated?
Treatment options for GERD and acid reflux may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and losing weight, and medication, such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying structural issues in the esophagus or stomach.
Eighty percent of GERD patients have a non-progressive form that can be controlled with lifestyle modifications and/or medications. The other 20 percent have progressive GERD that can lead to complications including stricture or Barrett’s Esophagus.
“We’re hoping to raise awareness that this is a common disease with treatment options,” Dr. Burke said. “We’re trying to improve patient quality of life. We want them to know they don’t have to live with reflux.”
Learn More: GERD & Heartburn
Read more about the links with heartburn signs and your overall health:
