What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion?

Heartburn and indigestion are often used interchangeably, but they're actually different conditions. Indigestion is a general term that speaks to a wide range of digestive issues. Heartburn, on the other hand, occurs when stomach acid escapes into your esophagus. It's one type of indigestion.


How do you know if you have indigestion or heartburn?

Indigestion
  1. heartburn – a painful burning feeling in the chest, often after eating.
  2. feeling full and bloated.
  3. feeling sick.
  4. burping and farting.
  5. bringing up food or bitter-tasting fluids into your mouth.


What does a indigestion feel like?

Indigestion can be pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn). Dyspepsia and heartburn may occur together or on their own. Symptoms usually appear soon after eating or drinking.


What are 2 symptoms of indigestion?

Symptoms
  • Early fullness during a meal. You haven't eaten much of your meal, but you already feel full and may not be able to finish eating.
  • Uncomfortable fullness after a meal. ...
  • Discomfort in the upper abdomen. ...
  • Burning in the upper abdomen. ...
  • Bloating in the upper abdomen. ...
  • Nausea.


Is heartburn indigestion and acid reflux the same thing?

The terms heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion are often used interchangeably.


Heartburn and Indigestion: What's the Difference? With Dr. Richard Onishi | San Diego Health



How do you get rid of indigestion fast?

What Can I Take for Indigestion?
  1. Over-the-Counter Antacids. Commercially available antacids are probably the most widely used treatment to get rid of indigestion pain fast. ...
  2. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) ...
  3. Peppermint or Chamomile. ...
  4. Licorice Root. ...
  5. Fennel. ...
  6. Ginger. ...
  7. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  8. Aloe Vera.


What can I drink to relieve heartburn?

Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.

Does drinking water help indigestion?

However, water can also help digestion and motility of food out of your stomach and into your small intestine. This may help reduce acid reflux symptoms. A 2019 study found that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water may help gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux.


Does Tums help with indigestion?

TUMS is an antacid used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms. The active ingredient in TUMS is calcium carbonate. TUMS starts to neutralize the heartburn-causing acid in your esophagus and stomach on contact, which provides fast relief.

Will indigestion go away on its own?

You might not need any treatment at all. Indigestion often goes away on its own after a few hours. But let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse. Any treatment you get will depend on what's causing your indigestion.

How long does indigestion usually last?

Duration of Indigestion

Most mild cases of indigestion do not require medical attention or even medication. In these instances, symptoms last only a few hours, and while they may recur for a few days, the symptoms either go away on their own or after making dietary or lifestyle changes.


What is indigestion a indicator of?

Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own. Also called dyspepsia, it is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

What are the 6 symptoms of heartburn?

What does heartburn feel like?
  • A burning feeling in your chest that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
  • Pain in your chest when you bend over or lay down.
  • A burning feeling in your throat.
  • A hot, sour, acidic or salty taste in the back of your throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing.


Where does indigestion hurt?

When you have indigestion, you may have pain, a burning feeling, or discomfort in your upper abdomen.


When should I be worried about indigestion?

Indigestion and heartburn are rarely due to a serious cause, but there are some 'red flags' or warning signs which should be checked out by a doctor. They include: Severe pain which doesn't settle with remedies from your pharmacist or doctor. Being off your food or losing weight for no obvious reason.

Is Pepto-Bismol or Tums better for indigestion?

The best upset stomach medicine for you depends on the symptoms you're experiencing and what's causing it. For example, antacids (such as Tums and Rolaids) are a good choice for heartburn and sour stomach. Medicines that have bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) are most often used to treat diarrhea and nausea.

Is Pepto-Bismol good for indigestion?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) Other brand names: Pepti-Calm. Find out how Pepto-Bismol treats heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea and feeling sick, and how to take it.


Why do I still have heartburn after taking Tums?

Chronic heartburn that doesn't go away despite popping several Tums or Rolaids could indicate that you've got GERD.

Is Coke good for acid reflux?

Carbonated Beverages

Soft drinks not only relax the LES but also increase stomach acid levels. This may be due to the caffeine in popular cola products which can affect the LES and trigger acid reflux.

Is ginger ale good for acid reflux?

Ginger Ale is a popular option for settling an upset stomach and quelling nausea and abdominal discomfort related to vomiting, diarrhea, and other illness. Ginger tea is gentle on your stomach and can be used to prevent or treat acid reflux and even motion sickness!


Is Cranberry Juice Good for acid reflux?

Cranberry juice can temporarily make conditions, such as acid reflux, worse because it is mildly acidic.

What gives you heartburn the most?

The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.

What foods neutralize stomach acid immediately?

What Foods Neutralize Stomach Acid?
  • Bread and Milk. Drinking a glass of milk or eating a slice of toast may seem like an old wives' tale, but it actually can help to neutralize stomach acid. ...
  • Bananas: ...
  • Oatmeal: ...
  • Ginger: ...
  • Green vegetables:


What is a good home remedy for indigestion?

It can help your body get rid of gas that might be causing your stomach pain, too. You can find both fresh ginger root and ginger supplements at most supermarkets and health food stores. If acid is the root cause of your indigestion, then baking soda — also known as sodium bicarbonate — can come to your rescue.

What does indigestion feel like in your chest?

Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm.