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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Indigestion and Acid Reflux?

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Indigestion and acid reflux are related but separate gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The main difference between the two lies in their symptoms and causes.

Indigestion:

  • Primarily affects the abdominal area
  • Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, and feeling full early during meals
  • Caused by factors such as overeating, eating too quickly, consuming high-fat or spicy foods, drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages, smoking, anxiety, and certain medications

Acid Reflux:

  • Involves a burning sensation in the chest, sour taste in the mouth, and regurgitation of stomach acid
  • Occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus due to a weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
  • Can be a symptom of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Symptoms may worsen after lying down or bending over

While it is possible to experience both indigestion and acid reflux at the same time, they are distinct conditions that may require different treatments and prevention measures. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods and beverages, eating smaller meals, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help alleviate symptoms of both indigestion and acid reflux.

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  • What is the Difference Between Indigestion and Acid Reflux?
  • Comparative Table: Indigestion vs Acid Reflux

    • Comparative Table: Indigestion vs Acid Reflux

    Indigestion and acid reflux, also known as heartburn, are different gastrointestinal conditions with distinct symptoms and causes. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Symptoms/Causes Indigestion Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
    Definition A group of symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system, including pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, feeling full after not eating much, or feeling uncomfortable after eating. A burning sensation in the chest due to acid from the stomach traveling up the esophagus.
    Medical Term Dyspepsia Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
    Location Primarily affects the abdominal area. Primarily affects the chest and esophageal areas.
    Common Symptoms Bloating, nausea, frequent belching, occasional regurgitation of food. Burning sensation in the chest, chest pain, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation of stomach acid, excessive belching, feeling full early during meals, painful swallowing.
    Causes Overeating, pregnancy, smoking, drinking alcohol, certain medications (antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). A weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, certain foods and drinks, smoking, alcohol, some medications.
    Treatment Lifestyle changes (achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI, elevating the head while sleeping, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, avoiding certain foods and drinks), over-the-counter antacids. Lifestyle changes (avoiding lying down or bending over after eating, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, elevating the head of the bed), over-the-counter antacids, prescription medications for GERD.

    While indigestion and acid reflux can occur simultaneously, they are separate gastrointestinal issues with distinct symptoms and causes.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.