Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD
The difference between occasional heartburn and GERD, common triggers, lifestyle and medicine options, what is known about peppermint and other remedies, and warning signs.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Heartburn, reflux and GERD: what the words mean
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat and stomach. Many people have it once in a while, and it often happens without symptoms. [1] It may cause heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the middle of the chest, behind the breastbone. [2] Acid reflux, acid indigestion and heartburn are different words that are often used for the same experience. [1]GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the more severe and long-lasting form, in which reflux causes repeated, bothersome symptoms or leads to complications over time. [1] Researchers estimate that about 20 percent of people in the US have GERD. [1] Not all adults with GERD have heartburn or regurgitation: chest pain, nausea, trouble swallowing, chronic cough or hoarseness can also occur. [2]
This page owns reflux and GERD. For general upper-belly discomfort without clear reflux, see indigestion, functional dyspepsia and nausea.
What can contribute
The valve between the esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) normally keeps stomach contents down. GERD may develop if it weakens or relaxes when it should not. Being overweight, pregnancy and smoking can affect it. [2] A hiatal hernia can make symptoms more likely. [2] Some medicines can cause or worsen GERD, including some asthma medicines, calcium channel blockers, sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants and NSAID pain relievers. [2] Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. [3]Lifestyle steps and what the sources say
| Step | What the sources say | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid eating close to bedtime | Meals at least 3 hours before lying down may improve night symptoms. [4] | Established advice |
| Weight loss if overweight | Doctors may suggest it to reduce GERD symptoms. [5] | Established advice |
| Raise the head of the bed | NIDDK suggests a foam wedge or extra pillows to raise the head and upper body 6 to 8 inches. [5] The NHS advises raising the bed head with blocks and cautions that extra pillows can increase pressure on the belly. [3] | Established advice; sources differ on pillows |
| Smaller meals | The NHS suggests smaller, more frequent meals. [3] | Common clinical advice |
| Quit smoking | Listed as a lifestyle change. [5] | Established advice |
| Trigger foods | Foods commonly linked to symptoms include citrus, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, coffee and other caffeine, high-fat foods, mint and spicy foods. Not everyone reacts, so keep notes and discuss with a clinician. [4] | Individual; food diary helps |
Medicines
Antacids can relieve mild, occasional symptoms but should not be used every day or for severe symptoms without discussing with a doctor. [5] H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower stomach acid; PPIs are better than H2 blockers at treating GERD symptoms and can heal the esophageal lining in most people with GERD. [5] The 2022 American College of Gastroenterology guideline notes that PPIs remain the medical treatment of choice for GERD, while also noting increased scrutiny of long-term use and overprescribing. [6] Research also suggests PPIs may increase the chance of C. diff infection, so ask about benefits and risks. [5] Surgery and endoscopic procedures are options if symptoms do not respond. [5]Natural remedies: what is known
- Peppermint: peppermint and mint are on the list of foods commonly linked to reflux symptoms. [4] Peppermint oil taken by mouth can itself cause heartburn, which is why capsules are often enteric-coated. [7] See peppermint oil and peppermint tea.
- Herbs, vinegar, baking soda and similar home remedies for GERD: Proper evidence not found in the NIDDK, NHS, MedlinePlus and NCCIH pages used for this guide.
- Antacid-like supplements and many remedies can interact with medicines. Read how interactions work.
Evidence labels: established recommendation = a guideline or health agency recommends it; insufficient evidence = not enough human research to say.
Frequently asked questions
Is heartburn the same as GERD?
No. Heartburn is a symptom. GERD is a longer-lasting condition where reflux causes repeated symptoms or complications. [1]
Does coffee cause acid reflux?
Coffee is among drinks commonly linked to GERD symptoms, but triggers vary from person to person. [4]
Can I use antacids every day?
Antacids are for mild symptoms and should not be used every day without discussing with a doctor. [5]
Why does reflux get worse at night?
Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over. [3] Eating at least 3 hours before bed may help. [4]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
When to get help
Chest pain that feels tight or heavy, or that spreads to the arms, back, neck or jaw, with shortness of breath, may be a heart attack. In the US, call 911. [8] More: digestive symptoms: red flags.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Definition & Facts for GER & GERD. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Symptoms & Causes of GER & GERD. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS (UK). Heartburn and acid reflux. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for GER & GERD. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Treatment for GER & GERD. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2022 (PubMed). Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Peppermint Oil. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS (UK). Feeling sick (nausea). Read 2026-10-22.