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Heartburn is the burning feeling a person gets when they have acid reflux. Frequent acid reflux may mean a person has GERD. Although people may use the terms interchangeably, heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of GER. Doctors will diagnose GERD when acid reflux becomes a recurrent complaint about an individual, usually more than twice a week for several weeks at a time. GERD is most common in Western countries, affecting an estimated 20% of the population in these regions. About 20% of Americans also have GERD, and it is the most common gastrointestinal condition diagnosed in the outpatient setting. About 60% of people who have GERD are women. Among people living with GERD, African Americans account for the second-largest group after people who are white. Why does acid reflux happen The stomach contains hydrochloric acid, which is a strong acid that helps break down food and protect against pathogens such as bacteria. The lining of the stomach is specially adapted to protect it from the powerful acid, but the esophagus is not protected. A ring of muscle, the gastroesophageal sphincter, normally acts as a valve that lets food into the stomach but not back up into the esophagus. When this valve fails, stomach content regurgitates back into the esophagus. This is acid reflux. A person will feel a burning sensation in their esophagus as the acid rises up. This is heartburn. Acid reflux risk factors Acid reflux can affect people of all ages, sometimes for unknown reasons. It may happen due to a lifestyle factor, but also due to causes that cannot always be prevented. Risk factors for getting acid or GERD reflux include:obesitysmoking (active or passive)low levels of physical exercisemedications, including drugs for asthma, calcium-channel blockers, antihistamines, painkillers, sedatives, and antidepressantspregnancy Food and dietary habits that have been linked to acid reflux include:caffeinealcoholfatty foodsspicy foods tomatoes and tomato saucesonions and garliceating large mealslying down within 2-3 hours of eating a mealconsuming chocolate, carbonated drinks, and acidic juices What does acid reflux feel like Heartburn is the most recognizable symptom of acid reflux. It is the uncomfortable, burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus. A person will feel it behind the breastbone area. It tends to get worse when lying down or bending over. It can last for several hours and often worsens after eating food. The pain of heartburn may move up toward the neck and throat. Stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat in some cases, producing a bitter or sour taste. Acid reflux treatment There are a number of ways a doctor may treat acid reflux. They include: PPIs and H2 blockers The main treatment options for people who repeatedly experience acid reflux in GERD are PPIs or H2 blockers. These medications decrease acid production and reduce the potential for damage caused by acid reflux. They are generally safe and effective, but like any prescription drug, they are not appropriate for all people with reflux disease and can cause side effects. For instance, they can cause problems absorbing nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition. The most recent guidelines from the American Journal of Gastroenterology recommend only a short course in order to minimize the potential side effects. PPIs include medications such as omeprazole, rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium). H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid). Antacids For people who experience heartburn or indigestion infrequently, perhaps in association with occasional food and drink triggers, OTC treatments to reduce the acidity of the stomach contents are available. These liquid and tablet formulations are called antacids, and there are dozens of brands available, all with similar effectiveness. They may not work for everyone, and any need for regular use should be discussed with a doctor. They usually contain chemical compounds such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, aluminum, and magnesium hydroxide. These compounds provide rapid but short-term relief by reducing the acidity of the stomach contents. However, they can also inhibit nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies over time. Common brands of antacids include TUMS, Rolaids, and Alka-Seltzer. Alginate antacids In addition, Gaviscon is an antacid that works slightly differently than other antacid drugs. Along with an antacid compound, it also contains an alginic acid. The active ingredient—alginate—exists naturally in brown algae. The alginic acid works by creating a mechanical barrier against the stomach acid, forming a foamy gel that sits at the top of the gastric pool itself. Any reflux then becomes relatively harmless as it consists of alginic acid instead of the damaging stomach acid. Learn more about antacids. Other treatment options Other possible treatment methods include:Sucralfate acid suppressantsPotassium-competitive acid blockersTransient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) reducersGABA(B) receptor agonistmGluR5 antagonistProkinetic agentsPain modulatorsTricyclic antidepressantsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Theophylline, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor If GERD is severe and unresponsive to medical treatment, a person may need a surgical intervention known as fundoplication. Lifestyle changes Lifestyle measures that may help include:improving posture, for instance, sitting up straightermaintaining a healthy weightstopping smokingeating more fiberavoiding late-night mealselevating the bed while sleeping A recent study suggests that making healthful dietary choices may be as effective as using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in treating acid reflux. Diagnosis Acid reflux and heartburn are common and relatively easy to diagnose, however, it is possible to confuse them with other chest complaints such as:heart attackpneumoniachest wall painpulmonary embolus A doctor will often diagnose GERD simply by finding improvement in heartburn symptoms in response to lifestyle changes and acid reflux medication. Gastroenterologists may also arrange the following investigations:endoscopy: camera imagingbiopsy: taking a tissue sample for laboratory analysisbarium X-ray: imaging the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum after swallowing a chalky liquid that helps provide contrast on imagesesophageal manometry: pressure measurement of the esophagus24-hour pH impedance monitoring: measuring the amount of acidity within the esophagus Acid reflux complications Without treatment, persistent acid reflux or GERD can lead to serious complications in the long term. This includes:Esophagitis: the lining of the esophagus is inflamed, causing irritation, bleeding, and ulceration in some casesStrictures: damage caused by stomach acid leads to scar development and difficulties swallowing, with food getting stuck as it travels down the esophagusBarrett’s esophagus: a serious complication where repeated exposure to stomach acid causes changes in the cells and tissues lining the esophagus with the potential to develop into cancer cells Summary When a person has acid reflux, their stomach content is rising back up into their esophagus. This causes heartburn, which is the burning sensation a person feels from the acid that comes up from the stomach. People who get acid reflux frequently may have GERD. A variety of treatments are available for acid reflux and GERD. There are over-the-counter antacids a person can buy, though in more severe cases prescription medications are available. Lifestyle modifications such as eating a healthful diet, exercising, and sleeping in an elevated position may help relieve symptoms. Frequently asked questions What are other symptoms of GERD When acid reflux progresses to GERD, other symptoms can include asthma, nausea and vomiting, laryngitis, pain when swallowing, dental erosion, and bad breath. What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion People may use the terms heartburn and indigestion to mean the same thing, but they are different. Indigestion is also known as dyspepsia. It describes the feeling of being uncomfortable full or in pain in the upper abdomen. It can occur with bloating, burping, and gas. A person may have both heartburn and indigestion at the same time, or they may experience them separately. Why does pregnancy cause heartburn As many as 45% of women experience heartburn during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause acid reflux due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the gastroesophageal sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. Learn more about acid reflux during pregnancy. Can heartburn lead to cancer In rare cases, acid reflux could lead to cancer. Both esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus, which are complications of acid reflux, are associated with a higher risk of cancer. About 30% of esophageal cancer cancers are also linked to GERD. Read the article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on June 22, 2022Acid Reflux / GERDGastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology 20 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adultsAparecida Coelho de Arruda Henry, M., et al. (2014). Diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676378/Argyrou, A., et al. (2018). Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease and analysis of genetic contributors.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6107529/Antunes, C., et al. Gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/#article-22098.s9Can heartburn lead to cancer (n.d.).https://www.rush.edu/news/can-heartburn-lead-cancerEl-Serag, H. B., et al. (2014). Update on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review.https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC4046948&blobtype=pdfHandling your heartburn. (2020).https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/gi-health/handling-your-heartburn/Heartburn during pregnancy. (n.d.).https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/heartburn-during-pregnancy/Hsu, M., et al. (2021). Physiology, stomach.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535425/Leiman, D. A., et al. (2017). Alginate therapy is effective treatment for GERD symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis./articles/acid-reflux-during-pregnancy-causes-diets-and-home-remediesNess-Jensen, E., et al. (2017). Lifestyle intervention in gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4636482/Philip, K., et al. (2022). ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2022/01000/acg_clinical_guideline_for_the_diagnosis_and.14.aspxProton-pump inhibitors: What you need to know. (2021).https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/proton-pump-inhibitorsRichter, J. E., et al. (2017). Presentation and epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5797499/#:~:text=GERD%20is%20exceedingly%20common%2C%20ranking,9%20million%20visits%20in%202009.Rosen, R. D., et al. (2021). Physiology, lower esophageal sphincter.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557452/Salisbury, B. H., et al. (2021). Antacids.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526049Symptoms & causes of indigestion. (2016).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia/symptoms-causesVazquez, J. C., et al. (2015). Heartburn in pregnancy.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562453/Yamasaki, T., et al. (2018). The changing epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease: are patients getting younger?https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5056/jnm18140Zalvan, C. H., et al. (2017). A comparison of alkaline water and Mediterranean diet vs proton pump inhibitor for treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2652893FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Markus MacGill — Updated on June 22, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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