Heartburn vs. GERD: What’s the difference? Are you experiencing discomfort after meals or a night out with friends? That warmth in your esophagus or burning sensation in your stomach might be heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Let’s dive into what distinguishes these conditions and how to manage them effectively. What is Heartburn? Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly. This allows ...