After my wife had an endoscopy and was diagnosed with GERD, I had a very simple question: is there actually a difference between GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn? Are they three names for the same thing? Or are they similar, with small differences?
That’s why I’m writing this. I’m not a doctor, so I’m sharing what I learned from reliable sources and from living through it with her.
The short answer
According to the Mayo Clinic, GERD is what it’s called when acid reflux keeps happening over time. That one idea explains how the three terms fit together:
| Term | What it is | A simple way to think about it |
|---|---|---|
| Heartburn | A burning feeling in the chest | What you feel |
| Acid reflux | Stomach acid and digestive juices moving back up the esophagus, sometimes into the throat | What’s happening |
| GERD | Acid reflux that keeps happening or causes problems | When it becomes an ongoing condition |
Almost anyone can have acid reflux now and then. GERD is when it becomes a repeated problem, and a doctor is the one who makes that call.
What causes it?
The Cleveland Clinic explains that a valve at the bottom of your esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is supposed to keep stomach contents down. When it’s weak or relaxes at the wrong times, acid can get past it.
Silent reflux: a note
Reflux doesn’t always feel like heartburn. Sometimes it shows up as a hoarse voice, a cough that won’t go away, or frequent throat clearing. If that sounds familiar, mention it to your doctor.
What can you do about it?
The first step is to talk to your doctor. We’re a tea company, not medical professionals, and what’s right for one person may not be right for another.
Doctors commonly suggest lifestyle changes like these:
- Cut back on alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Raise the head of your bed when sleeping
- Eat smaller meals
- Work toward a healthy weight
- Avoid the foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms
Honestly, that last one is where it got hard for us. The first five seemed doable. But the list of trigger foods covered nearly everything my wife loved, and we loved going out for a nice meal together any maybe having a glass of wine. It felt like a very bland future.
Where Coco Tea Co came from
My wife wanted to add something to her routine, not only take things away. She ordered a few herbal teas online, and one became part of her evening. I decided to try making a blend for her myself, and that’s how Coco Tea Co started.
She finds a warm cup soothing, and I can only speak for her. Everyone is different, and tea isn’t a substitute for medical care. If you’d like to try the blend she enjoys, it’s here: GERD Herbal Tea.
When to see a doctor
Check in with a doctor when making any changes to your diet or medication, if you have heartburn or reflux symptoms often, they don’t improve, or you have trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or black or bloody stools. Chest pain can also have other causes. If it comes with shortness of breath or pain in your arm or jaw, get emergency help right away.
FAQ
Is acid reflux the same as GERD?
Not quite. Acid reflux is the event, and GERD is the ongoing condition when it keeps happening.
Can you have heartburn without GERD?
Yes. Occasional heartburn is common and doesn’t always mean GERD.
Can you have GERD without heartburn?
Yes. Some people mainly notice regurgitation, a cough, or a hoarse voice.
Related reading: Best Tea for Acid Reflux and The Story Behind Coco Tea Co.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual experiences vary. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your health.