Heartburn may seem like no big deal, but experiencing it twice or more per week is a good reason to visit your doctor.
Heartburn is a sensation that occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus, a process called acid reflux. It can happen when the muscle that normally keeps the stomach tightly closed relaxes.
It’s also very common. Most people experience it occasionally: It’s estimated that about 1 out of 5 people in the United States has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic acid reflux condition.
If you have chronic heartburn, it’s important to talk with your doctor because it can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including esophageal cancer.
We’ve partnered with acid reflux and heartburn medication brand Gaviscon® to bring you tips on how (and when) to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
When to talk with a doctor
Occasional heartburn isn’t a cause for concern, but if you’re getting it two or more times a week, it may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
You’ll get the best care for your recurring acid reflux once you receive testing, a diagnosis, and treatment.
Your doctor might also refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist.
See your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of complications, including:
a feeling that food is trapped in the chest and won’t go down
vomiting blood or having black bowel movements
acid reflux into your windpipe
unexplained weight loss
Tell them when your symptoms occur
Give your doctor some context about what else tends to happen around the same time you experience symptoms. This will give them clues about what might be triggering your acid reflux.
Is it always at bedtime? Or after meals or your morning coffee?
Many people get acid reflux after eating a large meal.
Eating certain foods can also trigger heartburn in some people. Common food triggers include coffee, chocolate, fried foods, and acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes.
Talk about symptom severity
Telling your doctor how severe each symptom is can help them gauge what’s going on and what kind of treatment you need.
The two most common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn and regurgitation. Whether you experience one or both, it’s important to inform your doctor just how severe they are for you.
Heartburn feels like a burning pain in your chest behind your breastbone. Regurgitation causes a sensation that food or liquid is coming up from your stomach into your esophagus.
Heartburn can feel like a heart attack, and vice versa
Heartburn can sometimes feel like a heart attack, and a heart attack can sometimes feel like heartburn.
For that reason, it’s important to get medical help immediately if you’re also experiencing other symptoms of a heart attack, including:
lightheadedness
cold sweat
shortness of breath
severe chest pain that doesn’t go away
pain in your back, neck, arms, jaw, or stomach
Bring up frequency
How often you experience symptoms is an important piece of the puzzle.
Tell your doctor how many times per week you usually experience heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms.
Mention any other symptoms you’re experiencing
Other symptoms of acid reflux include:
a bitter taste in your mouth
the feeling of burning at the back of your throat
recurring hiccups
a hoarse voice
bad breath
frequent coughing
feeling sick and bloated
But don’t feel limited to bringing up only these symptoms — tell them about anything that’s been happening regularly or alongside your acid reflux.
Explain how your symptoms affect your life
If you have difficulties sleeping, swallowing food, or with other everyday activities, make sure you tell your doctor. Evidence shows that GERD can interrupt your work, interfere with your sleep, and make it harder to eat.
There’s also a link between heartburn and an increased risk of anxiety and depression, so make sure you mention any mental health effects you’re experiencing, too.
Let them know if you’ve tried anything for relief
Make sure that you mention all medications you’ve used, whether herbal treatments like quince (Cydonia oblonga), prescribed medications, or over-the-counter treatments (OTC) like antacid tablets or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
It’s important to describe any lifestyle changes you’ve made, too, such as altering your eating or sleeping habits, or quitting or dialing down your smoking or alcohol consumption.
Tell them about any medications or supplements you’re taking
Make sure to mention other medications or supplements to your doctor, too.
Medications that can make acid reflux or heartburn worse include:
warfarin
antibiotics
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
ascorbic acid aka vitamin C
Also, mention any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking, even if they seem unrelated.
Ask about your treatment options
Treatments for GERD usually involve medication. Common medications work by making the stomach contents less acidic. Doctors sometimes also recommend surgery.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about different treatment options. A healthcare professional can help you weigh the pros and cons of each treatment and even suggest lifestyle changes and OTC remedies to help.
Ask about side effects and what to do about them
You’ll want to know the side effects to look out for if you start a new treatment.
It’s also important to watch for symptoms of complications of acid reflux and GERD. These can develop over time if you don’t treat the condition, and they can be serious.
Ask your doctor what to do if you experience side effects or develop complications from your GERD or acid reflux, and how to tell if specific symptoms might signal an emergency.
Bottom line
Heartburn and acid reflux can be uncomfortable, but occasional symptoms aren’t usually a cause for concern, especially if you don’t get them often.
However, if you’re finding yourself frequently taking antacids or other heartburn treatments, or experiencing symptoms two or more times a week, it’s time to see a doctor.