Heartburn: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Has your heartburn pain continued after using prescription or nonprescription medicines for the pain?

See significance of heartburn not relieved by medicine if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note: Heartburn that occurs once a month is considered mild. Heartburn once a week is considered moderate. Daily heartburn is considered severe.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe heartburn after taking medicines to relieve your heartburn?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have moderate heartburn after taking medicines to relieve your heartburn?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have medicine and lifestyle changes prescribed by your health professional not relieved your mild to moderate heartburn after 1 week?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have nonprescription medicines and lifestyle changes not relieved your mild to moderate heartburn after 1 week?

Yes

Have nonprescription medicines and lifestyle changes not relieved your mild heartburn after 2 weeks?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 06, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer