New Delhi, Sept. 6 -- Acidity, acid reflux and GERD are terms often used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily mean the same thing. While occasional heartburn or acid reflux can be common, frequent or persistent symptoms may require medical attention.

Dr Sambit Kumar Bhuyan, Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar, explains the difference between acidity and GERD, the eating habits and foods that can worsen reflux, and when people should consult a doctor.

According to Dr Bhuyan, acidity, acid reflux and GERD are often used to describe similar symptoms, but they refer to different things.

"While acidity refers to burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen with symptoms like sour burps and sour tas...