3 Signs Your Heartburn Needs A Doctor’s Visit

That burning feeling in the pit of your chest – heartburn - has become such a common and temporary inconvenience that most people just pop a few antacids when it strikes and keep it moving. But, chronic heartburn can lead to more serious conditions, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), that require a doctor’s immediate attention.

Heartburn Vs. GERD

Nearly 2 out of 5 Americans will experience heartburn at least once a month. Heartburn happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The acid eats away at the lining of the esophagus, causing the burning feeling.

Heartburn can be triggered by eating spicy and fatty foods, stress, obesity and in pregnant women, it’s a common ailment (affecting nearly half of all pregnant women) due to the growing baby putting pressure on the stomach and forcing stomach juices up.

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According to Michael Vaezi, MD, PhD, if the heartburn is happening more than usual and is bothersome, you should seek medical attention. “"Any level of reflux where a patient says, 'This can't be normal,' should be evaluated."

The following three warning signs could mean your simple heartburn has evolved into GERD:

Over -the-counter remedies like antacids no longer work

Your heartburn is happening at least 2x a week
You have frequent heartburn accompanied by weight loss, food sticking in your throat or lumps in your throat

Left untreated, GERD can damage the esophagus and lead to esophagitis and dyspepsia.

Treatment

If you exhibit the above symptoms, see your doctor. The doctor can usually make a GERD diagnosis simply off of hearing what your symptoms are, however, there some more complex diagnostic tests that can be performed if your symptoms are more severe.

To immediately treat heartburn and GERD the doctor may prescribe antacids, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. For long-term relief, lifestyle changes are the best medicine. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, eating smaller meals and not eating right before bed are all suggested treatments.