Do you ever get that uncomfortable feeling in your chest or belly after a big meal? Many people do, and it’s often called heartburn or indigestion. But did you know that these are not the same things? We’ll explain the difference between heartburn and indigestion in simple terms, so you can better understand what your body might be telling you.

What is Heartburn?

Imagine you’ve just eaten a delicious, spicy meal. Shortly afterward, you feel a burning sensation in your chest, right behind your breastbone. That’s heartburn. It might also make you burp or bring a sour taste into your mouth.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid moves backward into your esophagus. The esophagus is a long tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Normally, there’s a little ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. But sometimes, this muscle doesn’t work as well as it should, and acid can escape into the esophagus, causing that burning feeling.

What is Indigestion?

Indigestion is a bit different. It’s more like an upset stomach or discomfort in your belly. You might feel full even if you haven’t eaten much, or you might burp a lot. Some people describe it as a feeling of bloating or gassiness. It can also make you feel like you need to vomit.

What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion can have many causes. It can happen when you eat too quickly, eat too much, or eat foods that are hard to digest. It can also be triggered by stress, smoking, or certain medications. Sometimes, indigestion is a symptom of an underlying problem, like an ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How Long Do They Last?

Heartburn often comes on after a meal and can last for a few hours. Indigestion, on the other hand, can last longer and might come and go over time. If you have indigestion frequently or for a prolonged period, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

Treatment for Heartburn and Indigestion

The good news is that both heartburn and indigestion can usually be managed with some simple steps. Here are a few tips:

Eat Smaller Meals

Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, heavy ones. This can help prevent both heartburn and indigestion.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Certain foods and drinks can make heartburn and indigestion worse. These can include spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, and alcohol. Pay attention to what triggers your symptoms and try to avoid those things.

Don’t Lie Down Right After Eating

Give your stomach time to digest your food before lying down. This can help prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus.

Raise Your Head While Sleeping

If you have heartburn at night, try propping up the head of your bed with some extra pillows. This can help keep stomach acid from moving into your esophagus.

Over-the-Counter Medications

There are medicines you can buy at the store, like antacids, that can help relieve heartburn and indigestion. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

See a Doctor

If your symptoms stay, get worse, or interfere with your daily life, it’s essential to see a doctor. They can determine if there’s an underlying problem that needs treatment.

Heartburn and indigestion are common digestive problems, but they are not the same. Heartburn is that burning sensation in your chest, while indigestion is more like a general discomfort in your belly. Knowing the difference can help you manage your symptoms better. If you ever have concerns or if your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to get the right medical advice. They can provide guidance and treatment options tailored to your specific situation.