1 of 4 / Overview
View AllWhat Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid.
What Is GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder in which the stomach's contents flow back into the esophagus.
Do I Have Heartburn or GERD?
A handy guide to help you tell the two apart.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Read more about the chronic condition with symptoms similar to heartburn.
2 of 4 / Symptoms & Complications
View AllHeartburn: What to Look Out For
Heartburn triggers differ from person to person, but most people have similar heartburn symptoms.
GERD: What to Look Out For
Not everyone with GERD has heartburn, but the symptoms of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and an acid taste in the mouth.
Acid Reflux: What to Look Out For
Heartburn, regurgitation, and dyspepsia are a few of the most common acid reflux symptoms.
What Heartburn/GERD Can Do to Your Body
Learn about the complications caused by uncontrolled heartburn and GERD -- and what you can do about them.
3 of 4 / Tests & Diagnosis
View AllHow GERD Is Diagnosed
The three main tests used when GERD is suspected are esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, and manometry.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of heartburn and is often performed as an outpatient procedure.
Esophageal pH Test
The esophageal pH test is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms.
Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test that can identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus.
4 of 4 / Treatment
View AllHow Is Heartburn Treated?
Your doctor may suggest antacids for occasional heartburn. Sometimes, more potent medications may be needed.
How to Get Relief
There are several ways to cool the burn. Here's what really helps.
Tips for Treating Severe Heartburn
If you don’t control your heartburn, it could damage your esophagus and even lead to cancer.
Potential Lifestyle Changes
You may be able to manage heartburn symptoms by adjusting your eating, sleeping, and lifestyle habits.
Suggested Reads about Heartburn/GERD
12 Tips for Nighttime Heartburn Relief
Preventing heartburn before it starts is your key to a good night's sleep.
Cooling Heartburn Year-Round
WebMD shows you how to avoid or minimize heartburn during the holidays.
Foods That Fight GERD
It goes by many names: indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, GERD. Whatever you call it, it happens when stomach juices flow in the wrong direction, back toward your throat. Find out from this WebMD slideshow which foods may help with it.
Heartburn Myths and Facts
From triggers to relief, find out how much you know about the burning issue in this WebMD quiz.
8 million+ Physician Ratings & Reviews
Find Doctors and Dentists Near You
You can also search by physician, practice, or hospital name