1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Heartburn / GERD

When You Should Call the Doctor

By , About.com Guide

Updated February 12, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Most people suffer from heartburn occasionally, usually after a meal, with millions experiencing heartburn at least once a month. When heartburn occurs frequently, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your doctor.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Your heartburn presists or becomes more severe.

  • Your heartburn isn't relieved by medication.

  • Your heartburn interfers with your ability to fall asleep or it wakes you at night.

  • Your discomfort interferes with your lifestyle or daily activities

  • You have difficulty swallowing or have pain when swallowing.

  • You have the sensation of food caught in your chest or throat.

  • Pain in the neck, chest or back.

  • Your heartburn is causing you to vomit.

  • You vomit blood or have black stools (from digested blood).

  • You have excessive saliva.

  • You've experienced a drastic weight loss.

  • You have persistent hoarseness or sore throat.

  • You have episodes of choking, coughing or wheezing.
Your doctor can determine if you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and work with you to get you symptom-free.

——————

Updated: 02/13/2006

Explore Heartburn / GERD
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Heartburn / GERD
  4. Heartburn
  5. When You Should Call the Doctor>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.