Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GORD: What's the Difference?

Summary: Heartburn, acid reflux, and GORD are related but distinct digestive conditions. Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, while GORD is a more chronic and severe form of acid reflux. Understanding the differences helps in identifying symptoms, managing discomfort, and seeking the right treatment. Treatment varies depending on severity and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or even surgery.

Heartburn, acid reflux, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are frequently used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct conditions that impact the digestive system. While they have some common traits, understanding the differences between them is vital for both prevention and treatment. Let’s explore the characteristics of heartburn, acid reflux, and GORD, outlining their distinctions and providing an overview of their causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.  

Are acid reflux and heartburn the same?

Acid reflux and heartburn are not the same, although they are closely connected.  

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (gullet). This backward movement can irritate the oesophagus, leading to symptoms like regurgitation and a bitter taste in the mouth. Heartburn is a symptom associated with acid reflux, defined by a burning feeling in the chest, typically occurring after meals or when lying down. While acid reflux can happen without experiencing heartburn, heartburn usually occurs alongside acid reflux. 

Summary: No, acid reflux is the condition, and heartburn is a common symptom of it—usually felt as a burning sensation in the chest.

Is acid reflux the same as GORD?

Acid reflux and GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) are connected but not entirely the same. 

Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, a bitter taste, or regurgitation. It can occur occasionally, particularly after consuming certain foods or lying down. 

GORD, however, is a long-term condition where acid reflux occurs frequently and on a long-term basis. Typically, it is associated with more severe and frequent symptoms with the potential for complications like damage to the oesophagus. Managing GORD typically requires medical treatments and lifestyle changes to control symptoms and avoid long-term issues. 

Summary: Acid reflux is occasional and manageable, while GORD is a chronic, more serious form that often needs long-term treatment.  

Understanding heartburn, acid reflux and GORD

Heartburn, acid reflux and GORD are related but distinct conditions that affect the digestive system. Understanding the differences between them can help identify symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. 

Heartburn:

Heartburn is a painful sensation that can be felt in the chest or throat, caused by stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus. It is frequently a sign of acid reflux but may also be associated with large meals, spicy foods, or lying flat after eating a meal. Heartburn is quite common and can occur sporadically without signalling a more serious issue.

Also read: What does heartburn feel like? Signs it's not a heart attack

Acid reflux:

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid or bile irritates the oesophagus. This condition arises when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle located at the bottom of the oesophagus, fails to close properly, allowing acid to escape back up. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, and a bitter taste in the mouth. While occasional acid reflux is typically normal, recurrent instances can progress to GORD.

Also read: Does reflux cause diarrhoea?

GORD:

GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) represents a more severe and chronic type of acid reflux, characterised by symptoms occurring more than twice a week. This condition can damage the oesophagus, cause complications like ulcers, or heighten the risk of oesophageal cancer. Common signs of GORD include ongoing heartburn, chest discomfort, trouble swallowing, and regurgitation. Treatment for GORD generally involves lifestyle adjustments, medication, and occasionally, surgical intervention.

Aspect	Heartburn	Acid reflux	GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease)
Definition	Burning sensation in the chest or throat	Backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus	Chronic, frequent acid reflux (2+ times per week)
Relation	Symptom of acid reflux	Condition that can cause heartburn	Severe, long-term form of acid reflux
Common symptoms	Burning in chest, often after eating or lying down	Heartburn, regurgitation, bitter taste	Persistent heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, food feeling stuck
Causes	Overeating, spicy food, lying down after meals	Weak LES, certain foods, obesity	Weak LES, obesity, smoking, hiatal hernia
Treatment	Antacids, avoid triggers, lifestyle changes	Antacids, PPIs, diet changes	Lifestyle changes, PPIs, H2 blockers, surgery in severe cases
Severity	Mild and occasional	Can be occasional or frequent	More severe, requires ongoing management

Difference in symptoms - heartburn, acid reflux, or GORD

The difference in symptoms - Heartburn, acid reflux, or GORD 

• Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest that typically occurs after eating or while lying down. It is a common and infrequent discomfort. 
• Acid reflux: The sporadic backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn, regurgitation, and a bitter taste in the mouth. 
• GORD: A chronic condition of acid reflux that happens more than twice a week, characterised by ongoing heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, and a sensation of food being stuck in the throat.

Causes and treatment - heartburn, acid reflux, or GORD

Causes and treatment - Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GORD 

• Heartburn: Results from overeating, consuming spicy foods, or reclining after meals. It can be controlled by using antacids, avoiding trigger foods, and implementing lifestyle changes.
• Acid reflux: Frequently caused by a weakened lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), obesity, or fried, fatty and spicy foods. Treatment options include antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and avoiding triggers. 
• GORD: Arises from a weakened LES, obesity, smoking, or hiatal hernia. Management involves lifestyle changes, medications (PPIs, H2 blockers), and, in severe situations, surgical intervention.

Opting for telehealth

Telehealth provides a convenient and accessible means to consult with healthcare professionals from your home. For issues such as heartburn, acid reflux, and GORD, online consultations can deliver prompt evaluations, advice for managing symptoms, and prescriptions for both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Telehealth offers significant benefits for individuals with busy schedules or those who struggle to visit a doctor in person. It facilitates timely follow-ups, addresses inquiries, and offers tailored care plans without requiring in-person appointments, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of healthcare. 

With 24/7 telehealth service, Hola provides a convenient way to manage these symptoms anytime of the day or night: 

• Online doctor consultation: Connect with a doctor 24/7 for an assessment of your symptoms and tailored treatment advice, even after hours.
• Instant scripts: Receive escripts for covid oral antivirals or other medications instantly, ready for local pharmacy pickup or same day delivery.
• Dr referrals: If further care is needed, your doctor can provide specialist referrals.
• Gest a hassle-free medical certificate: Easily obtain a medical certificate if the condition impacts your ability to work or study. 

In conclusion, heartburn, acid reflux, and GORD are interconnected but distinct conditions. Heartburn is a symptom, acid reflux is the mechanism behind it, and GORD is a long-term disorder that results from frequent acid reflux. Recognising these differences is crucial for effective treatment and management, which can be achieved through lifestyle changes and medications, providing effective relief and preventing further complications.