What is Heartburn? The Difference Between Heartburn and GERD Simplified…
I am convinced that medical terminology was created to confuse the common man. Instead of keeping things simple, the medical community introduces phrases like acid reflux, GERD diet, gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. As these conditions are closely related, it is sometimes difficult to understand the differences between them.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is actually the primary disorder, with heartburn being the most common symptom of GER. This condition is a digestive tract disorder in which stomach acid escapes into the throat or mouth. A person’s stomach is filled with acid, which helps your body digest the foods you eat. Without it, your body would not be able to convert the foods you eat into the vitamins and nutrients you need to survive.
While your stomach was built to be able handle high levels of acid, your esophagus is not! When acid from your stomach backs up into your throat, there is no natural protection available to reduce the potential damage. Many sufferers experience a burning sensation in the chest area, right behind the breastbone. This is one of the reasons why this condition was labeled “heartburn”.
Gastroesophageal reflux, otherwise known as acid reflux, most often occurs because certain muscle tissue, called the lower esophageal sphincter, fails to work as it was designed. Instead of relaxing only to allow food or gas to pass, it relaxes inappropriately allowing stomach acid to splash back into the esophagus, damaging the sensitive lining of the esophageal wall.
Many people experience occasional bouts of heartburn. If you experience heartburn more than two or three times per week, for a period of at least three months, you may actually have gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux disease).
Chronic acid reflux disease itself is not life threatening but it can seriously impact the quality of your life. Furthermore, if your condition gets progressively worse, surgery may be required.