Indigestion is the common name for the condition dyspepsia. It occurs when your body is not digesting food properly. Heartburn can be a symptom of dyspepsia.
This article goes over the differences between heartburn and indigestion. It includes information about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of each.
Technically, there are no symptoms of heartburn because it is a symptom itself. Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the
upper abdomen and area behind the breastbone. This feeling is due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus.
In severe cases of heartburn, acid can burn the back of your throat. Heartburn can occur along with other symptoms in several conditions affecting the stomach.
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a medical condition. It has several symptoms, including heartburn. Other symptoms of indigestion include:
- belching or burping
- bloating
- cramping
- feeling full quickly
- gas
- loss of appetite
- nausea or retching
Both heartburn and indigestion are common and can occur from time to time. When people experience either, or both, it may be due to lifestyle habits, including:
- eating certain foods, such as acidic, spicy, fatty, or greasy foods
- eating too much or too late in the day
- drinking alcohol or caffeine
- not getting enough sleep
- smoking
Heartburn causes
Heartburn is the result of acid reflux. Normally, a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus prevents stomach acid from backing up into it. If this sphincter muscle does not stay closed or close all the way, acid can enter the esophagus. A weak sphincter muscle can cause this, as can too much pressure in the stomach.
Conditions that can cause heartburn include:
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- hiatal hernia
- indigestion
- overweight and obesity
- pregnancy
Some medications can also cause heartburn. These include certain antibiotics, antianxiety medicines, and high blood pressure medicines.
Indigestion causes
Indigestion and its cluster of symptoms occur when you have trouble digesting food properly. Conditions that can lead to indigestion include:
- food intolerances or allergies, such as lactose intolerance
- gastritis, which is inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining
- gastroparesis, which is a slowing or stoppage of the movement of food through the stomach
- GERD
- Helicobacter pylori infection, which can lead to gastritis and peptic ulcer
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- stomach cancer
- stomach ulcer, or peptic ulcer
The main treatment for occasional heartburn is over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. These drugs can quickly reduce the painful burning sensation. They do this by neutralizing stomach acid. Antacid preparations include aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and others.
For more sustained relief, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers are effective. These drugs reduce stomach acid production. There are both OTC and prescription versions for both of these classes.
PPIs include:
- dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
- esomeprazole (Nexium)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- omeprazole (Prilosec)
- pantoprazole (Protonix)
- rabeprazole (Aciphex)
H2 blockers include:
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- nizatidine (Axid)
When heartburn is chronic, doctors look for an underlying condition, such as GERD. Treating the underlying cause can help relieve heartburn.
Similar to heartburn, you can manage symptoms of indigestion that occur from time to time with antacids, PPIs, and H2 blockers. Additional medicines can relieve other symptoms, such as gas and bloating. Examples include simethicone (Mylanta Gas).
Like heartburn, chronic indigestion usually points to an underlying cause. Treatment involves addressing the cause. You may need to take OTC or prescription drugs, depending on the cause.
Lifestyle changes are the key to preventing heartburn and indigestion. One of the main changes is to identify foods and beverages that trigger symptoms.
Keeping a food diary can help you see the link between what you eat and how you feel.
Other ways to prevent heartburn and indigestion include:
- avoiding food late at night or too close to bedtime
- eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large ones and not eating large quantities of food
- limiting alcohol
- losing weight
- managing stress and getting enough sleep
- quitting smoking and tobacco use
- raising your upper body when lying down
- staying upright for a couple of hours after you eat
Occasional heartburn or indigestion is normal for most people. However, if symptoms happen regularly or if they are severe, it could mean there is something more to it. Persistent heartburn can also lead to problems with the esophagus.
Contact your doctor for heartburn or indigestion that occurs more than twice a week for a couple of weeks. You should also make an appointment if OTC medicines are not relieving your symptoms.
Other reasons for concern include heartburn or indigestion with:
- appetite loss
- hoarseness or wheezing
- painful swallowing
- unintended weight loss
Both indigestion and heartburn can mimic symptoms of a heart attack and other serious conditions. Seek medical care right away for serious symptoms, including:
- chest pain or pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- clamminess, sweating, or night sweats
- difficulty swallowing
- persistent vomiting or vomiting blood
- shortness of breath
- tarry, black, or bloody stool
There is a close relationship between heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn is generally a symptom of other digestive problems, including indigestion. Indigestion is a condition in which the body is not digesting food normally.
A cluster of other symptoms can occur with indigestion. Treatment for both of them is similar unless there is a chronic underlying cause. Having either of them from time to time is a normal part of life.
