Did you know? More than 60 million Americans experience the symptoms of heartburn at least once a month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

Because it’s so common, our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville wants to share some insight into heartburn and ways you can prevent and treat it. Read on to learn more.

What’s the Difference Between Heartburn and GERD?

While the two terms—along with indigestion—are often used interchangeably, they are actually very different. Heartburn is mild to severe pain in the chest caused by your esophagus. Specifically, the acid in your esophagus leads to this uncomfortable feeling and wide range of other symptoms.

GERD, on the other hand, is a chronic form of acid reflux. Acid reflux differs from heartburn in that it occurs when acid backs up from your stomach into the esophagus. When it occurs consistently over a period of time, it’s called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Symptoms of Heartburn

• A burning feeling in the chest
• Chest pain
• Burning in the throat
• Hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• A feeling that food is stuck in your throat

Can Heartburn Be Prevented?

Heartburn is common, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing it.

The first is to limit your intake of trigger foods that often cause heartburn for you. But beyond changing up your diet, there are also other steps you can take.

Other Ways to Prevent Heartburn

• Eat sparingly and slowly.
• Don’t drink carbonated beverages.
• Stand or sit up after eating.
• Don’t move too fast.
• Sleep on an incline.
• Lose weight.
• Quit smoking.

Dealing with heartburn regularly? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Louisville for a medical evaluation. No appointment is necessary!