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GERD

What Is Heartburn and GERD? A Gastroenterologist Explains

When heartburn happens often, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Lauren Smith, MASanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on April 4, 2025
Featuring Roshini Raj, MDReviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | April 4, 2025

Many people are familiar with heartburn: a burning sensation beneath the breastbone. Frequent heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

In this video, learn what causes heartburn symptoms and when heartburn becomes GERD.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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