From the Guidelines
Yes, reflux coming back up is likely heartburn, which is a symptom of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. For mild, occasional heartburn, over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids can provide quick relief. For more frequent symptoms, H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec) may be more effective, as suggested by 1. Lifestyle changes can also help manage reflux, including:
- Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic)
- Eating smaller meals
- Not lying down for 2-3 hours after eating
- Elevating the head of your bed
- Maintaining a healthy weight If heartburn occurs more than twice weekly, is severe, or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or persistent nausea, you should consult a healthcare provider as these could indicate more serious conditions requiring medical attention, as noted in 1 and 1. It's also important to note that endoscopy may be recommended if 4 to 8 weeks of twice-daily empirical PPI therapy is unsuccessful, as stated in 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
GERD happens when acid in your stomach backs up into the tube (esophagus) that connects your mouth to your stomach This may cause a burning feeling in your chest or throat, sour taste, or burping. The FDA drug label indicates that heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when acid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest or throat, sour taste, or burping. Therefore, if you are experiencing reflux coming back up, it is probably heartburn, which is a symptom of GERD 2.
From the Research
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) and Heartburn
- GORD is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation 3.
- Heartburn is a common symptom of GORD, experienced by approximately 25% of adults regularly 3.
Relationship between Reflux and Heartburn
- Reflux, or the flow of stomach acid back up into the esophagus, can cause heartburn 3, 4.
- However, not all reflux episodes lead to heartburn, and some patients may experience reflux without symptoms 5.
Treatment of GORD and Heartburn
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly used to treat GORD and heartburn 3, 4, 6.
- PPIs are more effective than H2RAs in relieving heartburn symptoms in patients with GORD, especially in those treated empirically 3.
- On-demand treatment with PPIs or H2RAs can be effective in managing heartburn symptoms in patients with endoscopy-negative GORD 4, 5.