When it comes to gastro esophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as GERD, and acid reflux, the symptoms can be quite similar, that is why a lot of people get confused between the two.
However, these conditions are actually different health issues.
The key to differentiating both conditions is understanding acid reflux and gastro esophageal reflux disease.
If you get a better understanding of both conditions, it can greatly help you determine whether you have the acid or the more serious condition between the two, gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
The first step in learning to differentiate between these two conditions is identifying what these conditions really are.
A typical reflux happens when the stomach acids splashes and reaches your esophagus, causing quite an uncomfortable feeling.
With gastro esophageal reflux disease, on the other hand, the latter reflux is just one of the many symptoms that can come about at any given day of the week, at least twice a week to be exact.
This is crucial because acid reflux is just that, a typical reflux.
But if it is a symptom of some other more serious condition like gastro esophageal reflux disease, then it becomes a problem.
If you experience reflux quite often, then it is crucial that you learn the symptoms of both these conditions.
The typical reflux, which is also described as heartburn, can spread up to the throat or even the mouth, which leaves behind quite an unpleasant taste and odor.
When it comes to GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux disease, on the other hand, the symptoms can include chest pains (which can also be mistaken as heartburn), sore throat, dry cough, hoarseness, and of course, the typical reflux.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you better get an appointment with your doctor, because what you are experiencing is not your typical reflux.
Because of the common confusion between both conditions, most people simply dismiss the symptoms as a typical acid reflux.
Believe it or not, people who self diagnose acid reflux are actually more common than you realize.
This is a huge mistake though.
People who experience acid reflux, as well as the previously mentioned symptoms, more frequently than normal should undergo diagnostic tests that include an endoscopy, ambulatory acid probe test, as well as x-rays to confirm, or eliminate, the presence of gastro esophageal reflux disease.
When it comes to treatment, there is a huge difference between the two conditions.
If what you have is a simple acid reflux, then antacids should do the job effectively.
However, if you have GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux disease, then the medication can be a little more complex.
There are medications to block acid production; you might also need medications to strengthen esophageal muscles to keep the acids from escaping your stomach, and antacids to neutralize the stomach acids.
As you can see, although both conditions are quite similar, there is a huge difference when it comes to treatment.
This is why understanding acid reflux and gastro esophageal reflux disease is essential.
If you like to self diagnose, at least do it right.