The Difference Between Acid Reflux and GERD

The first thing you need to know is that stomach acid (heartburn) is the most evident manifestation or symptom of acid reflux. However, if heartburn occurs on a frequent basis, then it may be a sign of a more serious issue – an illness gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And by frequent, we’re referring to at least two episodes per week.

In fact, GERD simply causes symptoms like stomach acid and unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth. Although it’s true that the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are the same as those of acid reflux… Such as a burning sensation in the chest and the feeling that stomach contents are in the throat.

Furthermore, it can also produce a dry cough and difficulty with swallowing. This may be a simple occasional nuisance for some people, but for others, it can be a serious and lifelong problem. In most cases, changes in a person’s diet and lifestyle can help bring relief.

It’s important to implement changes in lifestyle

Individuals can often control the uncomfortable symptoms of GERD through self-help measures and medication. Together with changes in diet and lifestyle, doctors may recommend over-the-counter treatments or prescription drugs.

Whatever the case, physicians almost always ask patients to follow certain steps before resorting to medication. However, some of these steps may be difficult for patients to take, such as quitting smoking.

In this sense, people who suffer from GERD should avoid foods and drinks that irritate the damaged lining of the esophagus, such as citrus fruits and juices and products that contain tomatoes and pepper. In the same way, reducing portion sizes at mealtime can also help to keep symptoms under control.

Eating meals at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed can also help reduce the symptoms of GERD. This allows stomach acid to reduce and for the stomach to empty partially.

Excess weight can also be a factor that makes symptoms worse. In fact, many people who are overweight find relief once they shed a few pounds. Studies have shown that obesity is a factor in the weakening of the lower esophagus sphincter.

However, some people may require medication or even surgery. This includes individuals with serious chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease or with symptoms that don’t go away despite the above efforts. 

In these cases, patients must undergo a more exhaustive diagnostic evaluation. Taking medication when they experience symptoms may be enough. However, if the problem persists, they may need long-term treatment or even surgery.

What’s the difference between acid reflux and GERD?

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle at the end of the esophagus doesn’t close correctly. This allows for the content of the stomach to filter up and irritate the esophagus.

So what’s the difference between acid reflux and GERD? When acid reflux is associated with other symptoms or persists beyond childhood, then it’s considered an illness. The same is true when acid reflux occurs on the basis of two or more times per week.

In any case, acid reflux has a negative impact on the well-being and quality of life of individuals. GERD patients may experience some less common symptoms, including:

• Persistent sore throat.
• Snoring.
• Chronic cough.
• Difficulty and pain when swallowing.
• Asthma.
• Unexplainable chest pain.
• Sore throat.
• The feeling of having a lump in the back of your throat.
• An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after meals.

In conclusion, we’d like to end this article reminding you that gastroesophageal reflux is a common illness that affects a great number of people. However, treatment can lead to some complications. In any case, it’s important to know that, if untreated, it can lead to even more serious consequences.