A common problem for many people
You may be wondering what the difference is between acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD. Hopefully the definitions below will help clear things up for you.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back or refluxes into your esophagus.
Heartburn is the burning feeling you get when this acid comes in contact with the lining of your esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where you have ongoing symptoms, like heartburn, that occur 2 or more times a week. This could also cause damage to the esophagus because of repeated acid reflux. GERD is also called acid reflux disease.
How common is heartburn?
More than 50 million Americans experience heartburn 2 or more days a week. For some people, heartburn is a persistent, chronic condition that returns several times a week, if not every day. In fact, a 2003 survey by the National Heartburn Alliance found that heartburn was common in both men and women:
- 35% of women age 35-44 suffer from frequent heartburn
- 30% of men age 35-44 suffer from frequent heartburn
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