Heartburn
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have heartburn pain?
See significance of heartburn pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have moderate pain that does not get better when you take medicines or use home treatment for the heartburn?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had moderate pain for longer than 1 week that goes away when you take medicines or use home treatment, but comes back after the treatment wears off?
Yes Have you had mild pain for longer than 1 week that does not get better when you take medicines or use home treatment for the heartburn?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had mild pain that comes and goes for longer than 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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: September 6, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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