Heartburn/GERD Health Center
Basics & Causes
What is acid reflux? What is GERD? Are they the same as heartburn? Get the basics about acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD.
Acid Reflux, Heartburn, & GERD
Acid reflux is when stomach acid splashes up from the stomach into the esophagus. Find out more about acid reflux disease, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and helpful diet and lifestyle tips.
Technically, heartburn is the symptom you feel when acid splashes up and out of the stomach. "Heartburn" is sometimes used interchangeably with "acid reflux."
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is severe or chronic acid reflux that can lead to complications, such as cancer.
When constant heartburn turns into GERD, do you know how to spot the difference?
Causes
Acid reflux may develop for a variety of reasons. Learn about common acid reflux triggers.
Heartburn and GERD can be triggered by medications, large meals, and exercise.
Prevention
Looking for more tips on how to prevent heartburn? This article has detailed information.
It’s not just what you eat that can cause your stomach to churn. It’s also how much you eat and what you do after meals.
