Decoding Digestive Symptoms: Is it Heartburn, GERD, IBS or Something Else?

 
Learn how to recognize and distinguish common digestive symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Understand the difference between GERD, IBS and other motility disorders, and discover when to seek professional help.
 

Why paying attention to digestive symptoms matters

Everyone experiences occasional indigestion, but persistent or unusual digestive symptoms can signal underlying disorders that need attention. Many conditions share overlapping signs, heartburn, chronic cough, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, making it hard to know what’s serious and what’s not. This guide helps you decode common symptoms, understand the conditions they may indicate and learn when to consult a specialist.
 
 

Heartburn vs. GERD: when reflux is more than just acidity

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It often occurs after a big meal or lying down too soon. Occasional heartburn is common, but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition. GERD can cause not only heartburn but also symptoms that mimic ear, nose and throat diseases (burning throat, persistent tightness), lung diseases (chronic cough) and heart conditions (chest pain without heart problems).
 
 

Signs you may have GERD rather than simple heartburn:

• Frequent heartburn (more than twice a week)
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Difficulty swallowing or sensation of a lump in the throat
• Chronic cough or hoarseness not related to a cold
• Chest pain not related to heart problems

 
Because GERD symptoms can mimic other conditions, a specialist may recommend tests such as high‑resolution esophageal manometry or pH‑impedance monitoring to confirm the diagnosis.
 
 

IBS and beyond: when the bowel doesn’t behave

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating associated with defecation or changes in bowel habits without structural abnormalities. Common symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, excessive gas, an urge to defecate, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. IBS can be triggered by stress, certain foods, infections, or hormonal changes.
However, other motility disorders may present with similar symptoms:
 

• Gastroparesis – A condition in which the stomach empties too slowly, causing abdominal fullness after eating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety.
• Dumping syndrome – Food moves from the stomach into the small bowel too quickly, leading to diarrhea and dizziness.
• Chronic constipation or fecal incontinence – These can stem from pelvic floor dyssynergia (lack of control over pelvic floor muscles) or delayed colonic transit.
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – Excessive bacteria in the small intestine can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea.
• Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal disease in which the ingestion of gluten (in wheat) leads to damage in the small intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

 
Because symptoms overlap, accurate diagnosis often requires specialized tests beyond endoscopy, such as manometry studies, breath tests, imaging, or specific blood tests (e.g., celiac profiles).
 
 

When to worry—and what you can do

Persistent digestive symptoms should not be ignored. Seek professional evaluation if you experience:

• Heartburn, burning throat or chest discomfort more than twice a week
• Difficulty swallowing, unexpected weight loss or vomiting
• Chronic cough, hoarseness, or asthma-like symptoms not related to respiratory infections or diseases
• Ongoing abdominal pain, bloating or changes in bowel habits
• Constipation or diarrhea lasting longer than a few weeks

Early detection and precise diagnosis are key. A team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, dietitians and therapists can determine whether your symptoms are due to GERD, IBS, a motility disorder or another condition.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is chronic heartburn always a sign of GERD?
Not necessarily. Occasional heartburn is common. GERD is diagnosed when reflux occurs frequently and causes bothersome symptoms, including heartburn, acid regurgitation, chronic cough, sore throat, or chest pain. Testing may be needed to confirm GERD.
 
2. How can I tell the difference between IBS and other bowel disorders?
IBS involves abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits. It doesn’t cause structural damage. Other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease or motility disorders, can mimic IBS and may require endoscopy, manometry or lab tests to diagnose.
 
3. Can GERD cause breathing problems?
Yes. Acid and non-acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to chronic cough, hoarseness, or aggravation of asthma symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment can reduce these issues.
 
4. I have chronic constipation. Do I need medical tests?
Chronic constipation may result from diet, dehydration or inactivity, but it can also indicate motility disorders like delayed colonic transit or pelvic floor dyssynergia. If lifestyle changes don’t help, see a doctor. Tests like anorectal manometry or colonic transit studies can identify the cause.
 
5. When should I seek specialist care?
See a specialist if you have persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained abdominal pain, ongoing bowel changes or symptoms that affect daily life. A comprehensive evaluation ensures you receive the correct diagnosis and targeted treatment.
 

By understanding what different digestive symptoms can mean and seeking timely care, you can take control of your gut health and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
 
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Bumrungrad’s Gastrointestinal Motility Center or contact the Digestive Disease (GI) Center.