Is It Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GERD -- and How Can Nexium Help ...

Sorting out the difference between regular heartburn, acid reflux disease, and GERD can be a confusing business.

Are acid reflux disease and GERD the same thing? Is one worse than the other?

And is it possible to have acid reflux or GERD without having frequent heartburn?

Well, the answer to that last question is yes, it is. The other questions we will answer later in this article, as we discuss how to tell the difference between regular heartburn and more serious conditions like GERD or acid reflux.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GERD
Many people suffer from occasional heartburn, which feels like a mild burning sensation in the chest, sometimes rising up to just below the throat.

The most common time to experience heartburn is right after a big meal, especially one with greasy ingredients.

If you occasionally experience heartburn, you can simply adjust your eating habits, and limit your consumption of foods that are on the following list. You can also take an antacid to help symptoms pass more quickly.

These foods are more likely to cause heartburn than most, and will definitely aggravate symptoms associated with acid reflux or GERD:

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.
• Fried, fatty foods.
• Also avoid chocolate and coffee, or limit their consumption.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Keep in mind that heartburn is an occasional symptom even for normal patients, and acid reflux is simply a term that describes stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Acid reflux is an occasional phenomenon even in normal people.

GERD, however, describes a disease state in which acid reflux happens with abnormal frequency or severity.

Sometimes GERD is caused by a weakened esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that normally prevents stomach acid from rising into the throat.

GERD is also more likely to get worse at night, or other times when one is lying down.

Because heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, anything that makes heartburn worse will also make GERD worse. However, there are other symptoms of GERD, which are caused by how frequently the acid is leaking into the esophagus:

• Dental erosion, caused by acid decaying the tooth enamel.
• Sore throat.
• Poor taste in the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing.

Untreated GERD can lead to a problem called Barrett?s esophagus, which is caused by constant scarring and irritation in the esophageal lining. Barrett?s esophagus is often a precancerous condition, so it?s important to treat GERD early.

Treating GERD
Thankfully, it?s easy to treat GERD, and we can help you with the medications available here at ViaMedic.

When considering whether you need Nexium to help with your digestive problems, you might be unsure whether you have GERD.

However, by reading up on the information presented in this article, and filling out an online medical evaluation, you can find out shortly.

Remember, our US-licensed physicians will review your medical information and help you decide what medication is right for you!

Rick Williams is a freelance copywriter, specializing in technology, fitness, creative problem solving. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA, where he earned a B.A. in English and Professional Writing.

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