Heartburn
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have heartburn and trouble swallowing?
See significance of trouble swallowing 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 Are you unable to swallow food or fluids?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Are you unable to eat normally because it is hard for you to swallow?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you lost more than 5 lb (2 kg) during the past 3 to 6 months for no known reason?
Yes Are you able to eat normally most of the time?
Yes Are your swallowing problems slowly getting worse?
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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