Difference between Gerd and Heartburn
Gerd and Heartburn are two conditions that can cause discomfort in your chest.
The main difference between Gerd and Heartburn is that Gerd, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, while Heartburn is a single episode of acid reflux.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Gerd and Heartburn:
- Gerd: Gerd, short for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is when your stomach acid often flows back into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. This can irritate your tube and cause discomfort.
- Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest, just behind your breastbone. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your food pipe, creating a burning sensation.
Now, let’s move to Gerd vs Heartburn:
Major differences between Gerd and Heartburn
| Gerd | Heartburn |
|---|---|
| Heartburn is a symptom that causes a burning sensation in the chest, | GERD is a chronic disorder that includes heartburn as one of its symptoms. |
| Heartburn typically occurs after eating certain types of food or drinking certain beverages, | GERD can occur at any time, even on an empty stomach. |
| Heartburn is usually relieved by over-the-counter antacids, | GERD often requires prescription medications or even surgery in severe cases. |
| Heartburn does not usually cause complications if it’s occasional, | GERD can lead to serious problems like esophageal damage if left untreated. |
| Heartburn is not a medical condition in itself, | GERD is a diagnosed medical condition that needs to be managed over time. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Gerd and Heartburn”.
Also see:
- Difference between Gerbil and Hamster
- Difference between Geranium and Pelargonium
- Difference between Geotropism and Phototropism
Final words
It’s important to understand these differences to make sure you get the right treatment for your chest discomfort.
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