GERD is more than just heartburn: why it’s important to understand the difference

Heartburn is commonly described as acidity and treated with antacids. But gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not simply acidity. It occurs when the stomach contents repeatedly move into the oesophagus because the normal anti-reflux barrier does not function effectively.

“GERD is not simply a problem of producing too much acid,” said Vishnu Abishek Raju, senior consultant, medical gastroenterology, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai. Heartburn, therefore, is a symptom, rather than a diagnosis. Some people living with reflux have visible inflammation of the oesophagus, while others have symptoms without any visible injury.

GERD is common in India. A 2021 analysis of nine Indian studies involving 20,614 people estimated its pooled prevalence at 15.6%.

The lower oesophageal sphincter acts as a valve between the oesophagus and stomach. It can undergo brief, inappropriate relaxations, allowing stomach contents to move upwards.