Difference between acid reflux, acidity and indigestion
How many times have you heard the words acidity, indigestion or acid reflux, and used them in the same tone, thinking they refer to the same health issue?
If you too confuse the terms and think they all mean the same, you’re not alone. While all of these terms do refer to health issues related to digestion and the stomach, there are some differences that can help you understand what you are experiencing.
What is acid reflux and how to treat it?
The sphincter muscle acts as a closing between the stomach and the oesophagus. It closes as soon as the food that you eat passes through the food pipe and into the stomach. In case the sphincter muscle is not able to close properly, or if it closes and opens again, the acid from the stomach can move up into the oesophagus. This condition is referred to as acid reflux. In case you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, it could also indicate a case of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Symptoms of acid refluxinclude a burning pain in the chest or heartburn. You may also get a bitter taste in the mouth, which is because of the acid backing up in your mouth or throat. It can also cause bloating, black stools, burping, nausea, dry coughing or sore throat.
This can help:
- Eat smaller meals through the day instead of having three large meals
- Reduce smoking
- Keep a gap of one to two hours after a meal and rest time
- Avoid wearing clothes that are very tight around the waist
- Keep your head a little elevated when you sleep
What is acidity and how to treat it?
The term acidity is often used to refer to the condition of acid reflux, in which case the acid from the stomach moves up into the oesophagus.
Symptoms of acidity include heartburn in the chest area, a burning sensation in the throat and in some cases, nausea and vomiting.
This can help:
- In most cases, over the counter (OTC) treatments such as taking an antacid can be enough to ease symptoms of acidity.
What is indigestion and how to treat it?
Indigestion refers to a health condition where your stomach is not able to properly digest the food that you eat. Indigestion can happen if you often suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), have ulcers, suffer from thyroid disease or are on medication.
Symptoms of indigestion include discomfort in the stomach especially after a meal, burning sensation or pain in the upper part of the stomach, belching, acidic taste in the mouth, feeling bloated, nausea and vomiting.
This can help:
- Indigestion often gets better without any treatment, but if symptoms persist, do speak to a doctor.
- Chew your food properly
- Avoid spicy foods and very late meals at night
- Reduce smoking and alcohol intake
In most of these cases, following these tips and taking an antacid can help to ease the symptoms. However, if the symptoms persist or get worse, immediately seek help from a doctor.
Most people have indigestion (dyspepsia) at some point. Usually, it's not a sign of anything more serious and you can treat it yourself. Indigestion can be felt in different ways. You can have the following symptoms after eating or drinking: Stomach ache or back pain are usually not symptoms of indigestion. If you have those you might be
constipated. There's usually no need to see a GP about indigestion. There are some things you can do at home. cut down on tea, coffee, cola or alcoholCheck if you have indigestion
When it's not indigestion
How you can treat indigestion yourself
Do
raise your head and shoulders up when in bed – this can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep
lose weight if you're overweight
Don’t
do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed
do not have rich, spicy or fatty foods
do not take ibuprofen or aspirin – this can make indigestion worse
do not smoke
A pharmacist can help with indigestion
A pharmacist can recommend medicines to ease the burning feeling or pain that can come with indigestion.
Medicines that help reduce acid in your stomach include:
- antacids
- proton pump inhibitors
Some indigestion medicines are best to take after eating as their effects last longer. Check the information leaflet that comes with the medicines for more information.
Find a pharmacy
Pregnant women: treating indigestion
Pregnant women often get indigestion. It's very common from 27 weeks onwards.
It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach.
A pharmacist can help with uncomfortable feelings or pain. They can recommend the best medicines to use when you're pregnant.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you:
- keep getting indigestion
- are in severe pain
- have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
- have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- keep being sick
- have iron deficiency anaemia
- feel like you have a lump in your stomach
- have bloody vomit or poo
These symptoms can be a sign of something more serious.
What causes indigestion
Indigestion is often caused by acid from your stomach irritating your stomach lining or throat. This is called acid reflux.
This can be caused or made worse by:
- certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
- being overweight
- smoking
- pregnancy
- stress and anxiety
- some medicines, including anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen
- a hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest
Indigestion can also be caused by an open sore in your stomach lining (stomach ulcer). Less often, it can be a sign of something more serious such as stomach cancer.
Page last reviewed: 21 May 2020
Next review due: 21 May 2023