Overview & Facts

Get the basics about acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD.

What Is Heartburn? Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid.
What Is GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)? Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder in which the stomach's contents flow back up into the esophagus.
Do I Have Heartburn or GERD? A handy guide to help you tell the two apart.
What Is Acid Reflux? Read more about the chronic condition with symptoms similar to heartburn.
Acid Reflux Causes Triggered by an increase of acid in your esophagus, acid reflux disease may develop for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common ones.
Silent Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is similar to GERD but with varying symptoms. Read more about this digestive disorder.
Heartburn During Pregnancy More than half of all pregnant women report symptoms of severe heartburn, particularly during their second and third trimesters. Here's why.
Heartburn in Children and Infants Heartburn in infants and young children is usually a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (also called GERD or acid reflux).
Heartburn Prevention Heartburn is often preventable. Start by following these tips.
GERD Prevention Lifestyle changes sometimes help prevent symptoms of GERD, a chronic form of heartburn.