Gastroenterology

| 24 October 2025

 

Difference Between Heartburn and Indigestion: Understanding the Key Symptoms and Causes

After eating a large meal, the majority of individuals have felt a burning sensation in their chest, which they mistake for heartburn or something more serious. However, how can you determine whether it's indigestion, acid reflux, or even a cardiac condition? The secret to effective treatment and prevention is knowing the distinctions.

Although they are closely linked, heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are different disorders. Furthermore, it's important to know the difference between heartburn and a heart attack because the two conditions might occasionally have similar symptoms.

What causes acid reflux, how to sleep with heartburn and acid reflux, and if acid reflux is dangerous will all be covered in this blog. We'll also look at how pregnancy affects these symptoms and why seeing an hospital for gastroenterology in Mumbai  or the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai  may be required if symptoms worsen.

 

Knowing About Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn, or a burning sensation in the chest, is a symptom of acid reflux, which is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

 

What is Acid Reflux?

A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that ordinarily keeps stomach contents from rising, can cause acid reflux, which is the flow of stomach acid back into the esophagus. This irritates the throat and chest and makes them feel hot.

Heartburn is frequently caused by the sporadic backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, a tube that connects the mouth and stomach.

 

Typical signs of acid reflux include:

• Upper abdominal or chest burning discomfort
• A bitter or sour aftertaste
• Regurgitation of liquids or meals
• A persistent cough or sore throat

 

What Is Heartburn?

A burning feeling in the chest brought on by acid refluxing from the stomach into the esophagus.

In actuality, heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. It’s that burning feeling in the chest, especially after eating or resting down. Frequent heartburn episodes could be a sign of GERD, a chronic form of acid reflux, even though occasional heartburn is normal.

Learning how to sleep with heartburn and acid reflux is crucial for symptom management because heartburn usually gets worse after big meals, when leaning over, or when sleeping flat.

 

Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux During Pregnancy: Why It's Common

Acid reflux is the condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, whereas heartburn is the symptom.

 

Why Women Get Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and the pressure of the expanding uterus on the stomach are the two main causes of acid reflux in pregnant women.

The LES may relax during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the pressure of the expanding uterus on the stomach, allowing acid to pass into the esophagus. Particularly during the second and third trimesters, this results in recurrent heartburn episodes.

 

How to Handle Heartburn Safely During Pregnancy

Lifestyle modifications such as eating small, frequent meals, avoiding foods that provoke heartburn (spicy, fatty, acidic), and standing up straight after eating are all important for the safe treatment of heartburn during pregnancy.

• Consume meals more frequently and in smaller portions.
• Steer clear of fried, acidic, and spicy foods.
• Elevate your upper body when you sleep to avoid acid reflux.
• Before taking any over-the-counter drugs, speak with your gynecologist.

Understanding the differences between acid reflux and heartburn during pregnancy might help expectant mothers avoid needless worry. Mild heartburn is typical, but if symptoms persist or increase, consult professionals at an hospital for gastroenterology in Mumbai .

 

Heartburn and Indigestion: What is the Difference?

While heartburn is a specific indigestion symptom marked by a burning feeling in the chest brought on by stomach acid running back into the esophagus, indigestion is a general word for discomfort in the upper abdomen.

 

What Is Indigestion?

The phrase indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) refers to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen that is frequently accompanied by feelings of fullness, bloating, or nausea.

 

Indigestion signs and symptoms:

• Bloating
• Feeling queasy after eating
• Belching
• Rapidly feeling full

 

How to Tell Them Apart

A collection of digestive symptoms, including pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, that frequently arise after or after a meal are collectively referred to as indigestion, or dyspepsia. Although they are different illnesses, heartburn is a specific symptom of acid reflux that can coexist with or be confused with indigestion.

• Acid reflux is the source of heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest.
• Overall stomach discomfort without the presence of acid is referred to as indigestion.

If you frequently mix up the two, speaking with a gastroenterologist at one of the best hospital for gastroenterology in Mumbai  will guarantee that you receive the correct diagnosis and course of treatment.

 

How a Heart Attack Differs from a Heartburn

A heart attack feels like a tightness or pressure in the chest, whereas heartburn is a burning sensation. In addition to symptoms like sweating, shortness of breath, or dizziness, heart attacks frequently cause discomfort that radiates to the arm, shoulder, or jaw. Heartburn usually happens after eating, becomes better with antacids, and can get worse when you lie down.

 

The overlapping symptoms

A wide range of illnesses that fit the criteria for more than one well-defined rheumatic disease and have clinical characteristics of those diseases.

Chest discomfort is a common symptom of both heartburn and heart attacks, which can be perplexing. But it's important to know the difference between heartburn and a heart attack because the former is benign while the latter can be fatal.

 

Pain from heartburn:

• Burning sensations in the neck or chest
• Usually takes place after eating.
• Becomes better with antacids

 

Pain from a heart attack:

• Feels as though the chest is heavy, constricted, or under strain.
• May spread to the back, jaw, or arm.
• Linked to feelings of nausea, sweating, and shortness of breath

 

When to Look for Emergency Assistance

Abrupt, severe symptoms, such as profuse bleeding, confusion, weakness or numbness (particularly on one side of the body), headache, chest pain, or trouble breathing.

If the chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or is accompanied by sweating and dizziness, go to an hospital for gastroenterology in Mumbai  right once. To exclude cardiac reasons, the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai  or gastro surgeon Mumbai  can do diagnostic procedures like electrocardiograms or angiographies.

 

How Acid Reflux and Heartburn Affect Sleep

Sleep on your left side, at an angle, with a wedge pillow, or raise the head of your bed if you have acid reflux or heartburn.

 

The Value of Sleeping Positions

Because of gravity, heartburn frequently gets worse at night. Stomach acid can travel up into the esophagus while you sleep flat, which can be uncomfortable.

 

Some advice for improving your sleep:

• Your upper body should be raised 30 to 45 degrees when you sleep.
• Don't eat two or three hours before bed.
• According to studies, lying on your left side helps to prevent attacks of acid reflux.

 

Related: Common Digestive Disorders and How to Manage Them

 

Although the terms acid reflux and heartburn are frequently used interchangeably, they are not the same. Effective care requires knowing what causes acid reflux, how to sleep with heartburn and acid reflux, and identifying when it can be an indication of a more serious problem, such as a heart condition.

People who have chronic reflux, are pregnant, or are experiencing chest pain should never disregard their symptoms. If symptoms seem like a cardiac problem, always get advice from the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai or the appropriate medical staff at an hospital for gastroenterology in Mumbai.

Your best defenses against heartburn, acid reflux, and associated problems are education, changing your lifestyle, and acting quickly.

 

FAQs 

Q1. Can you explain the difference between indigestion and heartburn?

Indigestion is discomfort or bloating in the upper belly, whereas heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by acid reflux.

 

Q2. What causes acid reflux?

A weaker lower esophageal sphincter, poor diet, obesity, smoking, or certain drugs are the main causes.

 

Q3. When should I have my heartburn checked out by a doctor?

If the symptoms occur frequently or resemble cardiac pain, go to an hospital for gastroenterology in Mumbai  immediately.