Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between GERD and Acid Reflux?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between GERD and Acid Reflux?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux are related but distinct conditions. Here are the main differences between them:

  1. Severity: Acid reflux is a less severe, occasional occurrence, while GERD is a more serious, chronic condition.
  2. Frequency: Acid reflux can happen occasionally, usually after eating certain foods or due to temporary factors. GERD, on the other hand, is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week or causes inflammation in the esophagus.
  3. Symptoms: Both GERD and acid reflux can cause heartburn, but GERD symptoms may be more severe and persistent. Additional GERD symptoms include regurgitation, chest pain, dry cough, shortness of breath, and trouble swallowing.
  4. Complications: GERD can lead to complications such as a narrowed esophagus, pain, ulcers, asthma symptoms, chronic cough, and dental problems due to erosion of tooth enamel. Acid reflux typically does not cause such complications.
  5. Treatment: While occasional acid reflux may be managed with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications, GERD often requires prescription medications and, in some cases, surgery or other procedures.

In summary, acid reflux is a less severe, occasional condition, while GERD is a more serious, chronic condition with potentially significant complications. If you experience heartburn or other reflux symptoms more than twice a week, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between GERD and Acid Reflux?
  • Comparative Table: GERD vs Acid Reflux

    • Comparative Table: GERD vs Acid Reflux

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and Acid Reflux:

    Feature Acid Reflux GERD
    Definition Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. GERD is a chronic condition where acid reflux occurs frequently, causing persistent or severe symptoms.
    Symptoms Heartburn, regurgitation, acid taste in the back of the mouth. Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dry cough, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing.
    Frequency Occurs occasionally and affects many people. Occurs multiple times per week or every day, and may cause complications such as erosive esophagitis or esophageal strictures.
    Diagnosis Doctors may diagnose acid reflux based on a person's symptoms. Doctors can diagnose GERD based on a person's symptoms, and may also run tests to rule out other potential causes of acid reflux.
    Treatment Lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and avoiding triggers such as certain foods, smoking, and alcohol. Treatment may involve prescription medications, occasionally surgery or other procedures, and lifestyle changes similar to those for acid reflux.

    In summary, the main difference between acid reflux and GERD is that acid reflux is a symptom, while GERD is a chronic condition with frequent and severe symptoms. If acid reflux becomes persistent and severe, it could indicate GERD.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.