Many people use the terms heartburn and acid reflux as if they mean the same thing. In reality, they are connected but not identical. Heartburn is the name given to the burning sensation felt in the chest, while acid reflux describes what’s happening inside the body when stomach acid travels upwards into the oesophagus.
Because the two are closely linked, it can be confusing to work out what’s really going on. Understanding the difference between them helps people make more sense of their symptoms and spot when it might be time to seek professional support. This article explains how to tell them apart, what commonly triggers them, and what to do if symptoms keep returning.
Location and Type of Discomfort
The simplest way to separate heartburn from acid reflux is to look at where the discomfort is felt.
- Heartburn usually presents as a burning pain or pressure behind the breastbone, sometimes spreading to the throat or neck. It tends to flare up after eating and may worsen when bending over or lying down.
- Acid reflux, on the other hand, is the process that leads to heartburn. It happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus – the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This backflow can cause irritation and sometimes a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
In other words, heartburn is a symptom, while acid reflux is the event or condition behind it. Recognising this distinction makes it easier to describe experiences clearly when speaking with a healthcare professional.
Common Triggers for Each
Heartburn and acid reflux often share the same triggers, though sensitivity varies from person to person. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Spicy or fatty foods
- Coffee, alcohol, and fizzy drinks
- Large meals or eating late at night
- Lying down or bending over soon after eating
For some, even mild triggers such as chocolate, tomatoes, or citrus fruit may bring on symptoms, while others only notice issues after particularly heavy meals. Lifestyle habits, such as smoking or regularly eating on the go, can also make reflux more likely.
Although triggers overlap, the way people experience them can differ. One person may feel occasional heartburn after a curry, while another may have repeated reflux symptoms despite avoiding obvious irritants. Keeping a simple food and symptom diary can help identify patterns, making it easier to discuss with a GP if symptoms become disruptive.
Typical Duration and Frequency
Heartburn usually comes on after eating and may last for a few minutes to a few hours. It’s often linked with a single meal or activity, such as lying down too soon afterwards. For many people, it’s an occasional inconvenience rather than a daily concern.
Acid reflux can be more persistent. While a one-off episode may pass quickly, frequent reflux may indicate a chronic condition known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs regularly, sometimes multiple times per week, and begins to affect quality of life.
Frequency is often the clearest sign of whether symptoms are occasional or part of an ongoing condition. If heartburn or reflux happens more than twice weekly, or if symptoms are getting worse rather than better, it’s important to seek medical advice for assessment and guidance.
Associated Symptoms
While heartburn and acid reflux are closely linked, the symptoms that accompany them can help tell them apart.
- Heartburn: The main symptom is a burning pain in the chest, often rising up towards the throat. Some people also describe pressure or discomfort when lying flat.
- Acid reflux: Alongside heartburn, reflux may cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation of fluid, a sore throat, or even a chronic cough. Hoarseness and the feeling of a lump in the throat are also common.
It’s important to note that chest discomfort should not always be assumed to be heartburn. Sudden or severe chest pain can also be a sign of a heart problem and should be treated as a medical emergency. If in doubt, it’s always safest to seek urgent medical attention.
Response to Treatments
Because heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, the approaches to easing both often overlap. Many people find that over-the-counter antacids provide temporary relief by neutralising stomach acid. Lifestyle adjustments – such as avoiding large late-night meals, raising the head of the bed, or reducing trigger foods – can also make a difference.
For others, longer-term approaches may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Treatment varies depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms, and what’s suitable for one person may not work for another. That’s why professional advice is important, particularly if symptoms are ongoing.
Remember: It’s worth noting that while some stronger medicines exist, these are prescription-only and must not be self-selected. They should only be considered after discussion with a GP.
Tracking which strategies help and which do not can provide useful insight when speaking with a clinician about next steps.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Occasional heartburn or reflux is very common and often not a cause for concern. However, certain patterns suggest it’s time to seek professional advice:
- Symptoms occurring more than twice per week
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling food stuck in the throat
- Persistent hoarseness, sore throat, or cough
- Pain that disrupts sleep or daily life
- Unexplained weight loss alongside digestive issues
These signs may point to ongoing acid reflux (GERD) or, more rarely, another underlying condition that needs assessment. Getting checked by a GP ensures that the right investigations and advice are provided.
For those who find it difficult to attend in-person appointments, online support can be a discreet and convenient option. At WePrescribe, you can access guidance and safe care pathways through our dedicated page on acid reflux, or simply contact us for confidential advice.
Heartburn and acid reflux are closely connected but not the same: heartburn is the burning sensation, while acid reflux is the process behind it. Both are common, and many people will experience them at some stage.
Understanding the difference between them helps with recognising triggers, tracking symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical advice. If you’re experiencing frequent or worsening symptoms, keeping a diary of meals and flare-ups can make conversations with a GP more productive.
WePrescribe offers safe, discreet access to professional medical guidance, helping you take the next step in managing symptoms and protecting your digestive health.
