Heartburn and Reflux Key Words

To better understand things related to heartburn and reflux, recognize the following key terms that describe treatment, symptoms, and basic information about the two conditions:

• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease

• Reflux: Stomach contents that slosh back from the stomach to the esophagus through the LES

• LES: Lower esophageal sphincter; the “trapdoor” between esophagus and stomach

• Heartburn: Pain caused by reflux

• Gastroenterologist: Physician specializing in diseases of the digestive tract

• Antacid: Medicine that neutralizes stomach acid

• H2 blocker: Histamine 2 blocker; a class of drugs that slows the production of stomach acid

• PPI: Proton pump inhibitor; a class of drugs that reduces the production of stomach acid and appears to heal reflux damage to the esophagus