There seems to be some confusion regarding what acid reflux actually is, mainly because there are a number of related terms that are used interchangeably -- like heartburn, indigestion, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) -- even though they don't mean the same thing.

So to help you better understand what you may be experiencing, here's an explanation of the most common terms:

• Acid Reflux -- Acid reflux occurs when hydrochloric acid from the stomach --instrumental in digesting food -- leaks into the esophagus. This happens either because the valve that separates the stomach and esophagus isn't closing fully, or because the acids in your body are out of balance. The result of this acid in your esophagus is the familiar burning pain in your chest and bitter taste in your mouth.
• Heartburn -- Heartburn is simply a symptom of acid reflux, rather than an actual condition of its own. It's the word used to describe the sensation you feel when stomach acid escapes up into your esophagus.
• Acid Indigestion  -- This is just another name for heartburn.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)  -- While the occasional bout of acid reflux is common, particularly after eating certain types of food, if you experience acid reflux more than twice each week, you may have a more chronic form of acid reflux, GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause some fairly severe medical issues, including esophageal cancer.

The Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux