Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder in which the stomach's contents flow back into the esophagus.

A handy guide to help you tell the two apart.

Read more about the chronic condition with symptoms similar to heartburn.

Triggered by an increase of acid in your esophagus, acid reflux disease may develop for a variety of reasons.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is similar to GERD but with varying symptoms. Read more about this digestive disorder.

More than half of all pregnant women report symptoms of severe heartburn, particularly during their second and third trimesters.

Heartburn in infants and young children is usually a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (also called GERD or acid reflux).

Lifestyle changes sometimes help prevent symptoms of GERD, a chronic form of heartburn.

Heartburn triggers differ from person to person, but most people have similar heartburn symptoms.

Not everyone with GERD has heartburn, but the symptoms of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and an acid taste in the mouth.

Heartburn, regurgitation, and dyspepsia are a few of the most common acid reflux symptoms.

Learn about the complications caused by uncontrolled heartburn and GERD -- and what you can do about them.

If you don't treat it, you could end up with serious complications as a result of heartburn.

Barrett's esophagus is a serious complication of GERD in which the lining of the esophagus is damaged.

Laryngospasm is a rare condition in which the vocal cords suddenly close when you're taking a breath.

The three main tests used when GERD is suspected are esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, and manometry.

An upper endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of heartburn and is often performed as an outpatient procedure.

The esophageal pH test is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms.

Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test that can identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus.

Your doctor may suggest antacids for occasional heartburn. Sometimes, more potent medications may be needed.

There are several ways to cool the burn. Here's what really helps.

If you don’t control your heartburn, it could damage your esophagus and even lead to cancer.

You may be able to manage heartburn symptoms by adjusting your eating, sleeping, and lifestyle habits.

Non-prescription antacids and acid reducers may help relieve your heartburn symptoms.

When medication and lifestyle changes don't work, surgery may be an option.

Can natural and alternative remedies offer heartburn relief?