Heartburn and GERD - The same thing?

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What Is Heartburn/Acid Reflux

Heartburn is that burning feeling that can be caused by stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus from the stomach.

When heartburn occurs frequently it is know by the medical term gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). In heartburn, acidic stomach fluids pass through the LES, a valve between the esophagus and the stomach and they irritate the esophagus. Another, related cause of heartburn is hiatal hernia, in which a small portion of the stomach protrudes through the aforementioned LES valve or sphincter.

So acid reflux is the cause of heartburn, and GERD is the medical term for the regular occurrence of the symptoms of reflux. However there are instances where heartburn-like symptoms are caused by conditions like an ulcer or hiatus hernia and so you need to check your symptoms carefully. Also, there are a limited number of cases where symptoms are caused by low stomach acidity rather than high acidity.

Whereas the stomach has a protective lining so that it doesn't succumb to the acid, the esophagus has no such lining. That's why upwardly mobile stomach acid burns, sometimes so badly that you may think you're suffering a heart attack.

What causes stomach juices to rise? Overeating is the most common cause. But it's not the only one.

Unfortunately, some people suffer from heartburn even without overindulging. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus although this is not a frequent occurrence. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. The refluxed liquid also may contain bile that has backed-up into the stomach from the duodenum, a part of the small intestine. Hydrochloric acid is believed to be the most damaging component of the refluxed liquid. Pepsin and bile also may injure the esophagus, but their role in the production of esophageal inflammation and damage is not as clear as the role of acid.

GERD is a chronic condition. Once it begins, it usually is life-long. If there is injury to the lining of the esophagus, this also is a chronic condition. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed with treatment and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. Once treatment for GERD is begun, therefore, it usually will need to be continued indefinitely unless you make some lifestyle and diet changes as well.

Actually, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus is an everyday occurrence in most normal individuals. In fact, one study found that reflux occurs as frequently in normal individuals as in patients with GERD. In patients with GERD, however, the refluxed liquid contains acid more often, and the acid remains in the esophagus longer.

As is often the case, the body has defenses against the harmful effects of reflux and acid. For example, most reflux occurs during waking hours, when individuals are upright. In the upright position, the refluxed liquid is more likely to flow back down into the stomach due to the simple effect of gravity. In addition, while individuals are awake, they repeatedly swallow, whether or not there is reflux. Each swallow carries any refluxed liquid back into the stomach. Finally, the salivary glands in the mouth produce saliva, which is alkaline. With each swallow, bicarbonate-containing liquid travels down the esophagus. The bicarbonate neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus after gravity and swallowing have taken care of the rest.

This is an extract from an eBook on Acid Reflux by Brett Harrison. The book looks in detail at the causes of Acid Reflux and then offers advice on how to use diet, lifestyle and natural remedies to treat it effectively. To read more about Acid Reflux and how to cure it naturally.....

 

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