Heartburn and acid indigestion are considered similar by many people but that’s not true. Both are dissimilar gastrointestinal tract problems. Indigestion can be due to several reasons but heartburn happens when stomach acid comes in contact with the food lining. The latter affects the chest, esophagus, and throat but indigestion only affects the stomach.

Whenever your stomach will be upset or there is a little discomfort, how will you identify if it is heartburn or acid indigestion? Find the real difference between them by reading this article.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common digestive disease, which happens after stomach acid passes through Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and flows to the esophagus. Unfortunately, the esophagus has no protective layer to prevent the stomach contents from reaching it. Even weakening of LES causes problems. 

In the case of pregnant women, heartburn is very common. Sometimes, heartburn causes not only irritates the esophagus but also affects your throat. It can take several hours to go away but feels worse when you eat or drink. Carbonated drinks can take a heavy toll on your digestive health in case of heartburn. Obese people are highly prone to heartburn problems. Any extra pressure on the stomach can take stomach acid up to the food lining. 

What is acid indigestion?

Acid indigestion is also called an upset stomach, stomach ache but it is known as dyspepsia in the medial language. In most cases, acid indigestion happens after consuming your meal. 

Eating more than needed, consuming food too fast, and intaking foods that you are allergic to are the primary reasons behind acid indigestion. Some patients suffer from dyspepsia because of underlying gastrointestinal disease – cancer, lactose intolerance, peptic ulcers, bacterial infection, etc. 

How acid indigestion and heartburn are different? 

Acid indigestion is mainly caused because of eating a lot or consuming your meals fast. Spicy and oily foods are probable causes of indigestion too. 

Heartburn arises because of the LES, hiatal hernia, and other health issues. It’s related to your internal health but indigestion is dependent on emotional health, eating habits, and lifestyle. 

Both of them can be triggered due to carbonated beverages, foods that build stomach acid, and daily habits but the treatment process varies. However, antacids are suitable for heartburn and indigestion as well. Depending on the severity and symptoms, the doctor will prescribe the right medicines to you. You never know about heartburn cause but there are certain home remedies for heartburn and indigestion that are very effective:

• After eating, do not lie down for at least 2 hours
• Avoid eating fats, chocolates, and acidic foods
• Exercise regularly 
• Improve daily lifestyle by bringing some changes

Bottom Line

If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss, dry cough, heartburn more than 3 times a week, make an appointment with a doctor. Don’t avoid these serious symptoms or else things will get out of control. 

You can always rely on antacid as they are 100% working in treating heartburn and indigestion but make sure you are not having any underlying disease.