Differences Between Heartburn and Indigestion
Heartburn is one type of indigestion.
Heartburn and indigestion are often used interchangeably, but they're actually different conditions. Indigestion is a general term that speaks to a wide range of digestive issues. Heartburn, on the other hand, occurs when stomach acid escapes into your esophagus. It’s one type of indigestion.1
What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a painful condition that's caused when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus. The lining of your esophagus simply doesn't have the same protective layers that allow your stomach to stand up to powerful digestive acids. So when acid flows up into your esophagus, a process called Acid Reflux, it causes a nagging pain in your chest, and possibly even your throat, called heartburn.2
Heartburn is quite common—up to 20% of Americans suffer from heartburn on a weekly basis. It affects men and women, young and old, even infants and young kids.3
Heartburn can last from a few minutes to several hours, and often feels worse after you eat. Not only is heartburn painful, it can also rob you of a good night's sleep.
What Triggers Heartburn?
Heartburn can be triggered by a lot of things, but eating is the main culprit. It can be caused by the specific foods you eat—we're looking at you, greasy fries and hot wings—as well as by eating too much, or simply eating a big, heavy meal close to bedtime.
Carbonated and alcoholic beverages can also give you heartburn. People who are overweight often suffer from heartburn. Even a few extra pounds can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
What Is Indigestion?
You might call it an upset stomach, a stomachache, or even a bellyache—but the medical term is dyspepsia. Whichever term you use, indigestion is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, feeling you get in your stomach, usually during or after eating.1
In most cases, indigestion is caused by eating too much, too fast, or by eating foods that your body doesn't respond well to—typically foods high in fat. Chewing with your mouth open also can lead to indigestion. Swallowing too much air while eating can cause belching and bloating, which is another variation of indigestion.4
Other indigestion triggers include stress, smoking, or drinking caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic drinks.4
What Triggers Indigestion?
Depending on what's causing your indigestion, you may experience abdominal pain, bloating (full feeling), belching and gas, nausea, vomiting, and acidic taste in your mouth, "growling" stomach, and even diarrhea. Symptoms usually get worse when you're stressed but normally go away in a few hours.
Indigestion can be linked to more serious chronic conditions, including ulcers, pancreas abnormalities, or acid reflux disease. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms are severe or last for more than two weeks.
References
- “Indigestion (Dyspepsia).” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia.
- “Heartburn Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Aug. 2014, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/basics/causes/con-20019545.
- Amos, Julie-Ann. “Acid Reflux (GERD) Statistics and Facts.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 30 June 2012, www.healthline.com/health/gerd/statistics.
- “Indigestion.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Aug. 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/dxc-20209277.
Answer From Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S.
Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are closely related, but the terms don't necessarily mean the same thing.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is the backward flow of stomach acid into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach (esophagus). During an episode of acid reflux, you might feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn). This can occur after eating a big meal or drinking coffee or alcohol.
Sometimes acid reflux progresses to GERD, a more severe form of reflux. The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn — two or more times a week. Other signs and symptoms can include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain — especially while lying down at night.
If you have occasional acid reflux, lifestyle changes can help. Lose excess weight, eat smaller meals, don't eat two to three hours before bedtime, raise the head of your bed, and avoid foods that seem to trigger heartburn — such as fried or fatty foods, chocolate, and peppermint. Don't wear tight clothing around your abdomen, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
If necessary, occasional acid reflux can be treated with over-the-counter medication, including:
- Antacids, such as Tums or Maalox
- H-2-receptor blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB) or famotidine (Pepcid AC)
If you suspect that you have GERD, your signs and symptoms worsen, or you have nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing, talk to your doctor. Prescription medications might help. In a few cases, GERD might be treated with surgery or other procedures.
With
Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S.
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Sept. 16, 2021
- Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. //www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/all-content?dkrd=hispt0225. Accessed June 25, 2019.
- Acid reflux. American College of Gastroenterology. //gi.org/topics/acid-reflux/. Accessed June 25, 2019.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). American Gastroenterological Association. //www.gastro.org/practice-guidance/gi-patient-center/topic/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd. Accessed June 25, 2019.
- Kahrilas PJ. Medical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults. //www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 26, 2019.
See more Expert Answers
See also
- Belching, intestinal gas, gas pains and bloating
- Breastfeeding and medications
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Heartburn
- Heartburn or chest pain?
- Scleroderma
- Symptom Checker
- Integrative approaches to treating pain
- Nutrition and pain
- Pain rehabilitation
- Self-care approaches to treating pain
- Upper endoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Fundoplication
- Heartburn and hiatal hernia
- X-ray
.