Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the chest, usually caused by acid reflux. This condition is common, and most people experience it at some point in their lives. For mild heartburn, over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms.

However, some signs indicate that heartburn needs medical attention. Here are some alarming signs to look out for, which require medical attention.

Chest Pain or Pressure

The most alarming sign that requires medical attention for heartburn is chest pain. While heartburn causes a burning sensation in the chest, it’s essential to differentiate it from chest pain or pressure, which could signify a heart attack.

If you experience chest pains, seek medical help immediately, especially if associated with sweating, shortness of breath, or pain in the arms or back.

Difficulty Swallowing

If you experience trouble swallowing alongside heartburn, this could indicate a problem with the esophagus or throat, and medical attention is necessary.

Difficulty swallowing can make eating and drinking uncomfortable, and it could lead to other conditions such as pneumonia or malnutrition.

Persistent Heartburn

If the heartburn persists for an extended period, this could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD is a long-term condition where acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, leading to complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and even cancer of the esophagus. If you experience persistent heartburn, seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting alongside heartburn could indicate severe acid reflux or other medical conditions such as peptic ulcer or gastritis.

Peptic ulcers cause open sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestines, leading to severe pain that could cause nausea or vomiting. Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining and causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you experience these symptoms alongside heartburn, seek medical attention.

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’re losing weight unintentionally and experiencing heartburn, seek medical attention. Unexplained weight loss could indicate other conditions such as acid reflux disease, peptic ulcers, or even cancer of the esophagus or stomach.

Medical attention is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Long-Term Use of Over-the-Counter Medications

If you’re using over-the-counter medications for an extended period to manage heartburn, this could indicate severe acid reflux.

Long-term use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids could lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, osteoporosis, and other health complications. Seek medical attention if you’ve been using over-the-counter medications for an extended period.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a term used to describe upper abdominal discomfort, which could be accompanied by heartburn or not. Dyspepsia could indicate other medical conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, or even gallbladder disease.

Dyspepsia causes upper abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea, and it’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Blood in Stool or Black Stools

If you notice blood in your stool or your stool looks black and tarry, seek medical attention immediately. Blood in stool or black stools could indicate internal bleeding, which could lead to life-threatening complications.

Internal bleeding could be caused by peptic ulcers, which irritate the stomach lining, leading to bleeding.

Worsening Symptoms

If your heartburn symptoms are getting worse despite using over-the-counter medications, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Worsening symptoms could indicate GERD or other medical conditions that need medical attention.

Shortness of Breath

Heartburn could cause shortness of breath when acid reflux reaches the lungs, causing inflammation. Shortness of breath could indicate more severe conditions, and medical attention is necessary.

Conclusion

Heartburn is a common condition; however, some alarming signs require medical attention.

If you experience chest pain, difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, long-term use of over-the-counter medications, dyspepsia, blood in stool or black stools, worsening symptoms, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications.