What is the difference between heartburn, acid reflux and the gastroesophageal reflux disease?

1: Acid reflux or gastroesophgeal reflux disorder is syndrome where because of lax sphincter between the esophgus and the stomach, people get regurgitation of acid conent in to the esophagus. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux but by no means the only symptom or manifestion. Acid reflux causes heartburn, esophagitis, strictures, barretts esophagus as well as cough etc.

All related: Heartburn is a common symptom of the physiologic event of acid reflux. Gerd is diagnosed when reflux symptoms occur frequently to require medical attention. Reflux symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, frequent burping, night time cough, or even aspiration.... And many others. If you are having frequent problems and takes Tums (calcium carbonate) or acid reducer regularly, you need to see a doctor.

Heartburn is pain: Heartburn is the pain people get from the damage to the lining of the esophagus caused by stomach acid coming up past a failing valve at the top of the stomach. Gerd is the name of this disease. While acid medicines can reduce the pain they do not stop the stomach fluid from coming up. Gerd is often associated with hiatal hernias. Both of these can be fixed with minimally invasive procedures.