What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion?

Answer 1

he main symptom of heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, just under the breastbone. Heartburn caused by acid reflux may be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, coughing and wheezing, regurgitation of food or sour liquid and chest pain when lying down.

If you have chronic heartburn, it's likely caused by GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This condition triggers an excessive amount of gastric juices backwashing into your esophagus. Thus, they're present throughout your digestive system, which can cause you considerable discomfort. You might also have a hiatal hernia, which can cause heartburn. A hiatal hernia results when a portion of the stomach pushes through your diaphragm and into your chest. Obesity is a risk factor for chronic heartburn, as is pregnancy. Pregnant women frequently experience heartburn because of hormonal changes. In addition, the growing baby puts pressure on the mother's stomach. Certain foods such as tomatoes, carbonated beverages, peppermint, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, onions, and spicy foods can trigger heartburn. Alcohol and smoking can also cause acid reflux. You might experience a case of heartburn after eating too much or lying down too soon after eating. If you experience a prolonged case of heartburn and you've recently begun taking a new medication, talk to your doctor. The medicine might be causing your acid reflux, in which case you may be shifted to another prescription

Indigestion refers to a whole range of uncomfortable sensations affecting the upper abdomen and chest. Nausea, bloating, belching, mild pain and heartburn are the most common symptoms you'll experience. If your indigestion is accompanied by more serious symptoms such as sudden weight loss, vomiting blood or severe pain, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. You should get immediate medical attention if this happens to you

You'll find that indigestion and heartburn share many common causes. Like heartburn, indigestion can be a result of overeating, lying down after eating, smoking, alcohol or caffeine consumption, an overload of spicy or fatty foods, Carbonated Beverages and hiatal hernia. However, the difference lies in the causes. There are some triggers of indigestion which are unique and are unrelated to heartburn. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause digestive difficulties, as can gallstones and several forms of cancer. If your indigestion symptoms become frequent, you should talk to your doctor to eliminate any potentially serious underlying causes.

Answer 2

These terms are interchangeable. They are essentially the same thing. When stomach acid manages to get past the cardiac sphincter, it causes a burning sensation in the esophagus. This is called heart burn since it is beneath where the heart lies. The esophagus is not lined with cells that resist the effects of stomach acid.

Answer 3

I picked up this book at the check out cuentor of a pharmacy store several years ago, and didn't read it until recently. It really is everything you need to know about acid reflux, its causes, side effects, how to manage the illness (treatment options include diet, medication and surgery), and the disease progression if left untreated. I was so inspired by this book that after I read it I went to Amazon.com and bought several copies as gifts for friends and family that also suffer from acid reflux. Since acid reflux eventually causes esophageal cancer, I would argue if you or someone you know has acid reflux, then get and read this book!