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What Is the Difference Between Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD?
How Can You Treat Burning in Your Throat?
What Settles Acid Reflux in the Throat?
How Long Does Acid Reflux Throat Burn Last?
When Should You See a Doctor for Acid Reflux?
If you have a burning sensation in your throat, you could be experiencing acid reflux. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are often treatable and preventable.
Image URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-holding-her-chest-with-a-hand-Ry5vy9PCsvA Suggested alt text: Heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising into your esophagus.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is stomach acid rising into your esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. At the end of your esophagus is a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which usually prevents acid from rising, but due to various factors, it may malfunction.
The lining of the esophagus isn’t used to harsh stomach acid. It can become inflamed and irritated, causing a burning sensation within the chest and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
These three terms can be confusing. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most serious causes of heartburn, but here is how the three terms relate to one another.
| Feature | Acid Reflux | Heartburn | GERD |
| What It Is | The physical event of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus | A symptom, specifically the burning chest sensation caused by acid reflux | A chronic medical condition where acid reflux occurs frequently and causes complications |
| Symptoms | Sour taste, regurgitation of food or sour liquid | Painful burning feeling that can worsen when lying down or after eating | Frequent heartburn, coughing, wheezing, difficulty swallowing |
| Significance | A common bodily process that is not usually a cause for concern unless frequent | A common symptom that is usually temporary, but can be a sign of GERD if it occurs often | A diagnosed disease that can lead to more serious issues if left untreated and often requires medical management |
Image URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-with-her-hands-on-her-chest-S8r_LccbEWQ Suggested alt text: Avoiding spicy, acidic and fried foods can help to calm a burning throat.
To combat heartburn and other symptoms, you will first want to identify the causes. Certain personal factors can increase acid reflux, such as being overweight or pregnant. In both cases, the stomach experiences added pressure that causes stomach acid to rise.
Sometimes, stomach acid increases due to triggers like:
Reflux can also occur when the LES is relaxed and doesn’t close properly. Consuming chocolate or alcohol can cause the LES to relax.
When you understand the causes of your acid reflux, you can find remedies, medication and lifestyle changes that may help.
| Home Remedies | Over-the-Counter Medication | Lifestyle Changes |
| Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva and help neutralize stomach acid. Choose alkaline or low-acid foods like bananas or salmon. Eat watery foods such as celery, cucumbers and broth. Drink low-fat or plant-based milk to relieve burning. Try ginger to help reduce inflammation and calm your stomach. | Tums Rolaids Omeprazole Cimetidine Famotidine | Achieve a healthy weight. Eat small portions, slowly, chewing each mouthful. Elevate the head of your bed while sleeping. Stop smoking, if you do. Wear loose clothing. Keep a food diary to identify triggers. |
Acid reflux symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Since a food trigger often causes heartburn, the discomfort will usually pass following digestion.
Image URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-picture-of-a-person-holding-a-cell-phone-7mnp_gV8TUA Suggested alt text: If you have heartburn symptoms more than twice a week, consult your doctor.
Acid reflux is a common experience for many adults, but if you have heartburn or other symptoms more than twice a week, you may want to speak with your doctor. You’ll also want to contact them if your symptoms are accompanied by:
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on this topic.
Most people experience acid reflux occasionally, and it is normally nothing to worry about. If it regularly happens more than twice a week, speak to your doctor about your symptoms.
Alkaline and low-acid foods such as salmon or bananas may help, and you can try drinking low-fat or plant-based milk to coat your throat. Watery foods help to dilute stomach acid, and chewing sugar-free gum produces lots of saliva, which has the same effect.
No. Heartburn is a symptom of either acid reflux or GERD. It refers to the burning pain in your chest or throat, which in this case is caused by stomach acid flowing back up your esophagus.
Occasional acid reflux is a common issue that can typically be managed through simple lifestyle adjustments, home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. However, if your symptoms are severe or frequent, it’s always best to consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions and find the right treatment plan for you.
Originally published February 22, 2023. Updated August 24, 2026.
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