Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up the esophagus. It affects many people occasionally. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which acid reflux becomes frequent, causing persistent or severe symptoms.
Doctors can diagnose GERD based on a person’s symptoms. They may also run tests to rule out other potential causes of acid reflux.
Read on to learn more about the differences between acid reflux and GERD, including the symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatments.
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The main difference between acid reflux and GERD is that acid reflux is a symptom, whereas GERD is a chronic condition.
Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux occasionally. But if acid reflux is persistent and frequent, it could indicate GERD.
People with GERD may experience acid reflux multiple times per week or every day. The reflux may also be more severe, causing acid to reach the mouth or the regurgitation of food.
Unlike occasional acid reflux, untreated GERD also
A person who experiences rare acid reflux, or reflux only incidental to another condition such as pregnancy, probably does not have GERD.
Heartburn is another name for acid reflux. It
GERD often causes heartburn, along with other symptoms. Despite the name, heartburn does not actually affect the heart.
The symptoms of acid reflux include:
- a sensation of liquid traveling back into the esophagus or throat
- bloating and discomfort
- burning in the chest
- a sour taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- nausea
People with GERD can experience these symptoms, as well as others that result from having frequent acid reflux, such as:
- a dry cough
- sore throat
- new or worsened asthma
- a feeling that there is a lump in the throat
- difficulty swallowing
The diagnostic criteria for GERD
- Frequency: Doctors often diagnose GERD when a person regularly has acid reflux multiple times per week. In a 2021 study, the authors defined GERD as reflux that happens more than two times per week.
- Severity: When acid reflux is severe and regularly disrupts a person’s life, a person may have GERD.
- Other symptoms: When a person develops complications of frequent acid reflux, such as erosive esophagitis or esophageal strictures, they may have GERD. Both complications occur because of chronic injuries to the esophagus.
Doctors may be able to diagnose acid reflux or GERD based on a person’s symptoms. The frequency and severity may indicate whether a person has one or the other. The doctor may also perform tests to rule out other explanations, such as:
- infections
- stomach ulcers
- food intolerances
- pregnancy
This may involve:
- stool tests
- urine tests
- blood tests
- breath tests
There is no single test that can confirm GERD itself. A doctor
Sometimes, GERD does not respond to treatment. If this occurs, a doctor may recommend additional testing, such as an endoscopic scan of the esophagus. This involves inserting a long tube with a small camera on the end into the esophagus so a doctor can see inside the upper digestive tract.
For occasional acid reflux, people can try antacids. These are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can reduce the acidity of the stomach’s contents, reducing symptoms.
Some people with more severe acid reflux take OTC PPIs, such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, or lansoprazole. However, people should discuss this with a doctor if they often feel the need to take these medications.
Treatment options for GERD
- PPIs
- H2 blockers
- medical procedures to repair the sphincter that keeps stomach acid out of the esophagus
- surgery to help with weight loss, as obesity can cause or contribute to reflux
If a medication could be causing acid reflux as a side effect, a doctor may also suggest adjusting the dose or trying an alternative.
For people with mild symptoms, some simple adjustments to diet or lifestyle may reduce how often acid reflux occurs, without the need for medication.
Some
- caffeine
- alcohol
- high fat foods
- spicy, acidic, or minty foods
Dietary and lifestyle changes can also be important tools for managing GERD. It may help to try:
- reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine
- keeping a food and symptom diary to see whether certain foods trigger symptoms
- avoiding common trigger foods
- eating meals at least 3 hours before sleep
- reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
- sleeping with the head slightly elevated
- quitting smoking, if relevant
A person should contact a doctor if they experience persistent acid reflux, as this could be a sign of GERD or another underlying condition.
Seek professional advice if:
- acid reflux occurs regularly
- acid reflux is severe and disrupts daily life
- OTC acid reflux treatments do not work
- a person has other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or worsened asthma
People should consult a doctor as soon as possible if they have:
- persistent vomiting
- unexplained or sudden weight loss
- vomit that contains blood, which may look like coffee grounds
- bloody or black stool
Acid reflux is a symptom of indigestion that many people experience occasionally. Certain health conditions, medications, and pregnancy can trigger acid reflux. People can reduce their discomfort with OTC antacids and diet or lifestyle modifications.
If acid reflux is frequent or severe or undermines a person’s quality of life, they may have GERD. A person who thinks they may have GERD should seek medical treatment, since GERD can cause serious complications without treatment.