Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Almost all people experience heartburn sometimes. In most cases, heartburn is temporary and usually goes away on its own. In this case, treatment is not required, and it is enough to simply reduce the discomfort caused by heartburn. However, there are times when heartburn is a harbinger of more serious illnesses or problems. Therefore, it is so important to make sure that in your case, heartburn is just a typical episode. Here are some tips to help you determine when it's time to see your doctor for heartburn.

Steps

1. 1 Compare the severity of your current episode of heartburn with the severity of previous episodes. Try to describe it. Is the pain dull or sharp? Does it happen all the time or at intervals? Does it feel uncomfortable in only one place, or does the pain radiate to other parts of the body, such as the shoulders or lower jaw? The intensity and severity of pain may be an indicator that it is something more serious than heartburn. For example, with a heart attack (myocardial infarction), you may experience sensations similar to very severe heartburn.
   • If you are short of breath, dizzy, sweaty, and pain in your shoulders, arms, back, neck or jaw, go to the nearest hospital. You may be having a heart attack.
   • Learn more about how to recognize a heart attack so you can tell the difference between heartburn and heart attack symptoms.
2. 2 Be aware that medications for certain heart conditions can cause acid reflux or heartburn. If you experience frequent, prolonged bouts of heartburn while taking a medication, and you suspect that the medication is causing the problem, talk to your doctor about replacing them.
   • Drugs such as calcium channel blockers, such as Norvasc (Amlodipine) and Adalat (Nifedipine), and nitrate drugs, such as nitroglycerin, which is commonly used to relieve chest pain, can cause heartburn.
3. 3 Be aware that coughing can be associated with heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux. If you have a cough that lasts two weeks or more, then it's time for you to see a doctor. It may even be worth making an appointment as soon as possible, especially if you are choking and wheezing.
4. 4 If you are pregnant, be aware that heartburn can be common. This can be caused by the food being digested more slowly than usual. In this case, you may be advised to eat less food and not bend over or lie down for several hours after eating. Antacids can be taken, but do not use baking soda as it contains very high levels of salt. However, if you have any concerns about heartburn during pregnancy - it causes too much anxiety or interferes with your active lifestyle - see your doctor.
5. 5 Monitor the duration and frequency of heartburn symptoms. If heartburn goes away on its own after some time, then you do not need to see a doctor. However, if you experience heartburn several times a week for more than two weeks, it is worth getting a medical examination to find out the underlying causes and get effective treatment. There are a number of causes of persistent heartburn that need to be ruled out or treated:
   • Inflammation of the esophagus, also known as "esophagitis," can cause bleeding. In this case, blood can be coughing up, be in vomit or stool.
   • Esophageal ulcers are open sores on the lining of the esophagus. They appear as a result of multiple refluxes and cause pain similar to heartburn.
   • Narrowing of the esophagus - This condition makes it difficult to swallow food, you may experience shortness of breath and wheezing, chest pain, sore throat, hoarseness, increased salivation, a lump in the throat, and sinusitis.
   • Barrett's esophagus - a condition that can develop as a result of persistent heartburn. It is manifested by the development of abnormal precancerous cells, which in turn can develop into esophageal cancer. If your doctor detects this condition in you, then you will need to undergo an endoscopic examination every 2 to 3 years to prevent malignant transformation.
6. 6 Pay attention to the changes in the ability to swallow. If you suddenly have trouble swallowing food, this could be a sign that your esophagus is damaged (most likely the result of stomach acid in the esophagus). An urgent need to see a doctor, as difficulty swallowing can cause choking.

Tips

• See your doctor if you are self-treating heartburn with antacids for a long time. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications for you. You also need to find out why heartburn does not go away for so long.
• With long-term use of heartburn medications, increase your calcium intake. These drugs reduce the production of gastric juice, which makes the body less able to absorb calcium. Dairy products and calcium supplements (if needed) can help combat this side effect.
• Ask your doctor about everything to be well informed about heartburn.

Warnings

• Long-term use of aluminum-based antacids can weaken your bones and lead to a depletion of phosphorus and calcium in your body.
• Frequent use of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), used as an antacid, can cause problems in people with heart failure or high blood pressure.
• The maximum daily dose of antacids containing calcium carbonate should not exceed 2000 mg, unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.

What do you need

• Antacids
• Records of the duration of heartburn and the interval between attacks
• Doctor