Most people can treat heartburn and acid reflux with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. However, persistent heartburn and acid reflux might be indicative of a more chronic condition. Let’s explore the different symptoms. gastrosymptoms.com

1. TRUST YOUR GUT: HEARTBURN, ACID
REFLUX, AND GERD
Gastrosymptoms.com

2. Gastrosymptoms.com
Most of us have experienced discomfort in the chest or the
sensation of acid splashing in our throats after eating a spicy meal.
These are common symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 60
million Americans a year experience heartburn or acid reflux.
Most people can treat heartburn and acid reflux with lifestyle
changes or over-the-counter medications. However, persistent
heartburn and acid reflux might be indicative of a more chronic
condition. Let’s explore the different symptoms.
Heartburn, Acid Reflux,
and GERD

3. Gastrosymptoms.com
The terms heartburn, acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease,
GERD are often used interchangeably, when actually they are different
and have varying outcomes if left untreated. How can we differentiate
among the three?
Name Your Burn
Heartburn
Heartburn is a mild to severe burning pain in the chest. It occurs when
stomach acid escapes into the esophagus. The usual symptom of
heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. This can be accompanied
with a sour taste at the back of the throat or the feeling of food being stuck
in the throat.

4. Gastrosymptoms.com
According to the Mayo Clinic if you are experiencing the following symptoms
you may need to see your doctor:
•Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week
•Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
•Difficulty swallowing
•Persistent nausea or vomiting
•Weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating
Take immediate action if any of the following symptoms accompany your
heartburn episodes, as they may be signs of a heart attack:
•Shortness of breath
•Radiation to the arms or neck
•Dizziness or cold sweats
Minor heartburn after eating a few slices of pizza is no big deal. However, you
should contact your doctor if your heartburn persists and is unresponsive to
lifestyle changes.
When should you see your doctor?

5. Gastrosymptoms.com
Acid reflux, like heartburn, is a common medical condition. When we
ingest food it passes through the esophagus and then through a muscle
sphincter near the lower esophagus. This sphincter expands and
contracts allowing food and liquids into the stomach while keeping
stomach acids out of the esophagus. Occasionally, small amounts of
acid travel up through the esophagus, thus resulting in acid reflux.
Acid Reflux
Common symptoms of acid reflux are:
•A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your
abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat
•Regurgitation, a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat
or mouth
Usually, acid reflux can be remedied by making lifestyle changes such as being conscious
of what you eat and when you eat. Minor acid reflux event can be treated using over-the-
counter medications. When acid reflux does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it
is time to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

6. Gastrosymptoms.com
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the chronic, more severe
form of acid reflux. Heartburn and acid reflux are common symptoms of
GERD.
GERD
According to the NIH less common symptoms of GERD are:
•Bloating
•Bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting
•Burping
•Dysphagia — a narrowing of your esophagus, which creates the sensation of
food being stuck in your throat
•Hiccups that don’t let up
•Nausea
•Weight loss for no known reason
•Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or a chronic sore throat
Because heartburn and acid reflux are common, people put off seeing a doctor
even when the condition becomes chronic, occurring more than twice a week.
Unchecked GERD can lead to other medical conditions such as damage to the
esophagus, esophageal ulcers, and in rare cases esophageal cancer.

7. Gastrosymptoms.com
Temporarily treating the occasional episode of heartburn or acid
reflux with over-the-counter medication is acceptable. If the
symptoms worsen, make an appointment to talk to your doctor
about your chronic digestive problems as well as possible
treatment solutions.
Bottom Line

8. Eat, Drink, and be heartburn and acid
reflux free!
The following gastrointestinal practices can offer assistance:
Visit this Link to Find a
Gastroenterologist in your Area
http://gastrosymptoms.com/find-a-
gastroenterologist-in-your-area/