Do you use the terms indigestion and heartburn interchangeably?

[wurm]

And what about acid reflux? I'm sure there's a distinction and sure, I could look it up, but it's more fun to ask here. Just curious as I reach for a couple of Tums.

[Robert M]

Wurm,

Nope. They are not interchangeable. Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the mid-chest. It has various causes ranging from acid-reflux to a heart attack. Indigestion is a symptom, too, just not in the same location. Typically, people usually think of indigestion as something happening in your belly, not chest, i.e. gurgliness, pain, feeling of fullness, gas, etc. Both indigestion and heartburn are symptoms of something else that is going on in your body.

Robert

[DeusxMac]

miley-signs006:

[wurm]

I believe The Beatles wrote a song about you, sir.

In my case, I think I just eat too damn fast. :wink:

[wurm]

And just to clarify, I was sure there is a difference. I was just wondering if you (the forumite) use the terms interchangeably, rather than "does one use..."

[rz]

Nope. I get heartburn from eating certain foods. The acidity in tomatoes makes it impossible to eat pizza sauce or certain Mexican food for dinner. If I have it for lunch, I'm fine. But if I eat it for dinner, I will get reflux in the middle of the night. Reflux is when stomach acid flows up into your throat. Very much not a pleasant experience. I usually have to drink a glass of milk and sit up in our recliner coughing for like an hour to get the burning sensation out of my throat.

I consider it indigestion when my stomach is rumbly from eating something. May or may not have gas with it.

[Robert M]

rz,

The pain from the reflux can also spread across your chest, while coating the interior of your throat with stomach acid. The burning can be horrendously painful and even throat lozenges and milk and other soothing drinks don't help enough. You can literally feel the acid, too. Sitting in my recliner and time makes the difference and it takes hours. End up feeling crappy much of the next day, too. Definitely no mistaking the aftermath of an acid reflux attack for indigestion. Or, definitely not in my world.

Robert

[mattkime]

I occasionally have indigestion but never have heartburn

[mrbigstuff]

RM, I know and feel your pain (and your indigestion:-)