Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Digestive Health | Symptoms of Heartburn and GERD

Occasional heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter antacids. But if you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to rule out more serious problems.

From time to time, everyone experiences heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Mild symptoms associated with heartburn include belching and a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. Occasional heartburn is usually not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as antacids.

Sometimes heartburn can represent a more serious problem, however. Chronic heartburn may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and associated symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or blood in the stool may signal an esophageal ulcer, stricture, or even cancer. Any of these symptoms should prompt you to call your doctor:

• heartburn that occurs several times a week or wakes you up at night;
• heartburn that persists after taking over-the-counter or prescription medication;
• difficulty swallowing;
• vomiting, especially blood or black material;
• black stools (may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding);
• weight loss;
• loss of voice;
• severe hoarseness or wheezing.

Other symptoms related to heartburn may be caused by a heart attack— meaning you should seek medical help immediately:

• a feeling of pain, squeezing, fullness, or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts longer than a few minutes;
• pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or jaw, particularly on the left side of the body;
• chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, fainting, dizziness, paleness, or light-headedness;
• palpitations or an increase in heart rate;
• fatigue, weakness, or anxiety of no known cause.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Digestive Health | Symptoms of Heartburn and GERD