The Differences Between Heartburn and Acid Reflux
u003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eu003cstrongu003eIt’s no wonder people get confused.u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eWe talk about heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion – these are all terms we use to describe various uncomfortable and sometimes painful side effects of digestion, but what exactly are they and how do they differ?u003c/pu003ernFirstly, let’s tackle indigestion.
u003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eIndigestionu003c/h3u003ernu003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eIndigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a general term to describe a range of digestive issues, including heartburn.u003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eIndigestion – which is itself a symptom and not a condition – is so common, pretty much everyone gets it from time to time and it’s usually felt at the top of the stomach or in the lower part of the chest.u003c/pu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eWhy does indigestion occur?u003c/h3u003ernu003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eAs with many digestive side effects it usually occurs after eating, whether that’s after a fatty, spicy or heavy meal or as a result of eating too quickly.u003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eFor most sufferers there’s no obvious reason why it happens and it’s just one of life’s occasional and uncomfortable annoyances.u003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022CSParagraphu0022u003eFor others these issues can be frequent and they can be distressing and effect everyday life.u003c/pu003e
u003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eThe difference between heartburn and acid refluxu003c/h3u003ernThere’s a reason for linking the terms heartburn and acid reflux together; both are types, or symptoms, of indigestion and one is caused by the other.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eHeartburnu003c/h3u003ernHeartburn is a burning, and sometimes painful, feeling in the chest* caused by stomach acid leaking upwards towards the throat.rnrnSigns of heartburn can include a recurring cough or hiccups, unpleasant sour taste, a hoarse voice, bad breath, bloating and feeling sick.rnrnAgain, it tends to be worse after eating, lying down or bending over.rnrnWhen it happens regularly it’s known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).rnrnThere are several lifestyle factors which can cause or make heartburn worse including diet – certain food and drinks known as triggers are fatty, spicy or rich food, coffee, tomatoes, chocolate, citrus fruits and alcohol.rnrnOther factors include stress and anxiety, being overweight, smoking and pregnancy.rnrnPregnancy hormone changes can relax the muscular ring, which connects the stomach to the gullet (the oesophagus) and works to prevent stomach contents passing through.rnrnIn the later stages of pregnancy, the growing baby can press against the stomach.
u003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eWhat causes heartburn?u003c/h3u003ernWell, that’s where acid reflux comes in.rnrnAcid reflux occurs when the muscular ring fails for whatever reason, allowing stomach acid to travel the wrong way causing the pain of heartburn.rnrnWe all need stomach acid to aid the digestion process but while the stomach can resist it, the gullet can’t so if there’s enough passing through, it can cause the pain of heartburn.rnu003ch2u003eu003c/h2u003ernu003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eLifestyle changes to help with heartburnu003c/h3u003ernHeartburn, particularly if it’s mild, can be eased or prevented by making some simple lifestyle changes such as avoiding food and drink triggers, eating smaller meals more frequently, finding ways to relax more, not eating within a few hours of going to bed and sitting up straight when you eat.rnrnEven wearing looser fitting clothes around the waist can make a difference.rnrnIf heartburn is troubling you while you sleep, try raising one end of your bed by 10-20cms so your chest and head are above waist-level. This helps to stop stomach acid travel up towards your throat.rnrnLosing weight can help if you’re overweight, avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol.
u003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eSpeaking to a GP about heartburnu003c/h3u003ernYour pharmacist can also recommend antacids which neutralise stomach acid to help relieve the burn and indigestion.rnrnIf these measures aren’t working and you have heartburn most days for three weeks or more – speak to your GP who can provide stronger treatments.rnu003ch2u003eu003c/h2u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3 class=u0022text-2xl mb-8 font-coheadline font-light text-brand-darkpinku0022u003eOmeprazole – over the counter treatmentu003c/h3u003ernHeartburn medicine such as u003ca href=u0022https://www.pyrocalmcontrol.co.uk/product/pyrocalm-control-20mg-gastro-resistant-tablets-omeprazole/u0022u003eomeprazoleu003c/au003e, the main ingredient in u003ca href=u0022https://www.pyrocalmcontrol.co.uk/product/pyrocalm-control-20mg-gastro-resistant-tablets-omeprazole/u0022u003ePyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tabletsu003c/au003e, is a widely used treatment for indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux and can be taken by adults, including pregnant women.rnrnOmeprazole belongings to a group of medicines called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) which work to reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes by interrupting the production process.rnrnThis helps to reduce the pain or discomfort in your chest or stomach and so allows the body to reduce any inflammation caused by stomach acid leaking into the gullet.rnrnPyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets (omeprazole) are used in adults for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn, acid regurgitation, acid reflux). Always read the label.rnrnIMPORTANT: Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.rnrn*You should seek medical attention if you suspect your symptoms relate to a more serious condition such as a heart attack.
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