Heartburn Vs. GERD

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, an estimated 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn once a month, but a whopping 15 million people battle it daily.

Maybe your triggers are spicy foods or alcohol. But if you're experiencing heartburn several times per week, it could be a sign it's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn, acid reflux and GERD stem from the same underlying problem — muscles in the stomach, esophagus and diaphragm relax, allowing acid to flow back up the esophagus from the stomach. The telltale burning sensation occurs because, unlike the stomach, the esophagus is not protected from the acid by a mucous lining.

What separates the three conditions is the severity and frequency of the reflux and, in the case of GERD, possible tissue damage in the esophagus due to long-term exposure to stomach acid. As much as 30% of the American population has GERD, especially if you're overweight or obese, pregnant, smoke or take medications such as antihistamines, painkillers or antidepressants.

Medications and lifestyle adjustments can treat this long-lasting acid reflux. Start your lifestyle chances by asking yourself two questions: What are you eating, and how are you eating it?

Caffeine, carbonated or alcoholic beverages, chocolate, citrus and tomato products, fatty and spicy food, and onions may trigger symptoms. Eating smaller meals more slowly and earlier in the day or further away from the time you lie down to sleep can help decrease heartburn symptoms.

If you think you might have GERD, talk to your doctor about the answers to these questions:

• Do you experience heartburn more than twice a week?
• Does your nighttime heartburn ever wake you from sleep?
• Have you experienced trouble or pain swallowing?
• Have you noticed your heartburn increasing or worsening over several years?

Chronic heartburn and one or more of the above signs are the most common indicators of a reflux condition. However, there are a few not-so-common symptoms to watch out for. These include excessive belching, the feeling of food stuck in your throat, chronic sore throat, gum inflammation, enamel erosion on your teeth, morning hoarseness, a frequent sour taste in your mouth and bad breath.

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