Q: is heartburn and acid reflux the same thing?
Reflux is considered a normal part of what happens to everyone. Heartburn is more like the common name for the medical term gastroesophageal reflux or reflux for short. If they scope every adult they will see acid backwash into their esophagus. All of us will occasionally burp up acid or have a weird episode due to it. But, when it becomes problematic and/or happens often then it becomes GERD which is Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If you are having symptoms more often than rarely, it may be time to see a doctor about it. Also, you can do some lifestyle changes such as eating smaller more frequent meals, not eating for a couple of hours before bed, etc.
More information about the lifestyle changes can be found at:
http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_9-145.html?ic=506019
Stephanie
acid reflex can cause heartburn, but you can have heartburn with acid reflex
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