Heartburn and indigestion are common gastrointestinal (GI) problems that are often discussed interchangeably. While they may occasionally occur at the same time, these are considered separate GI issues.
So, if youre experiencing an upset stomach, acid regurgitation, or a burning chest, how do you know whether youre dealing with indigestion or heartburn?
Read on to learn the signs and causes of these GI issues, and how you can manage and prevent them.
You may be able to tell the difference between heartburn and indigestion based on the location of your symptoms.
While indigestion primarily affects the abdominal area, heartburn symptoms can be felt in the chest and esophageal areas. Keep in mind that its also possible to experience both indigestion and heartburn at the same time.
Heres a breakdown of symptoms commonly associated with both heartburn and indigestion:
As they are different conditions, heartburn and indigestion can have very different causes. But there is some overlap.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus due to a weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter. It may also be a symptom of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Over time, GERD may damage the esophagus, leading to complications such as esophageal cancer or Barretts esophagus.
Risk factors for heartburn include:
In some cases, certain foods can trigger heartburn. These include:
Some of the same food triggers for heartburn may bring on a case of indigestion, including caffeine, spicy or acidic foods, and alcohol. Indigestion may also be caused by eating large meals or eating too fast.
Indigestion could also be caused by underlying GI disorders, including:
Anxiety and depression may also upset the stomach on a regular basis in some people, leading to indigestion issues. Research also suggests that indigestion may have a genetic component.
Both heartburn and indigestion may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as:
Ask your doctor before taking any herbal remedies for GI issues, as you may unintentionally make your heartburn or indigestion worse.
Occasional heartburn or indigestion is largely preventable. Prevention methods are the same for both conditions.
Here are some of the ways you can help decrease a flare-up of heartburn and indigestion symptoms:
These preventive measures may also help alleviate symptoms of chronic heartburn or indigestion, but youll need to see your doctor to help treat the underlying causes to help prevent further complications.
If your symptoms of heartburn and/or indigestion dont improve after a few weeks of home remedies and preventive measures, see your doctor.
Chronic heartburn or indigestion issues could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. To get to the root of chronic indigestion or heartburn issues, your doctor may order a few tests, including:
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms that could indicate GI complications:
Seek emergency medical attention if heartburn or indigestion are accompanied by the following potential symptoms of a heart attack:
Both heartburn and indigestion have similar causes, and may be alleviated with similar lifestyle changes and OTC treatments.
Its important, however, that you determine whether your symptoms are heartburn- or indigestion-related, so you can discuss them with your doctor.
If you find that you need antacids every day, or if your heartburn or indigestion symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you may need to see your doctor for further testing.
Treating an underlying GI issue can help alleviate your symptoms while also preventing further complications.
Original post:
Heartburn vs. Indigestion: How to Tell the Difference - Healthline
