Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Heartburn - what to ask your doctor

What to ask your doctor about heartburn and reflux; Reflux - what to ask your doctor; GERD - what to ask your doctor; Gastroesophageal reflux disease - what to ask your doctor

 

You have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition causes food or stomach acid to come back into your esophagus from your stomach. This process is called reflux. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, cough, or hoarseness.

Below are questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your heartburn and reflux.

Questions

 

If I have heartburn, can I treat myself or do I need to see the doctor?

What foods will make my heartburn worse?

How can I change the way I eat to help my heartburn?

  • How long should I wait after eating before lying down?
  • How long should I wait after eating before exercising?

Will losing weight help my symptoms?

Do cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine make my heartburn worse?

If I have heartburn at night, what changes should I make to my bed?

What medicines will help my heartburn?

  • Will antacids help my heartburn?
  • Will other medicines help my symptoms?
  • Do I need a prescription to buy heartburn medicines?
  • Do these drugs have side effects?

How do I know if I have a more serious problem?

  • When should I call the doctor?
  • What other tests or procedures will I need if my heartburn does not go away?
  • Can heartburn be a sign of cancer?

Are there surgeries that help with heartburn and reflux?

  • How are the surgeries done? What are the risks?
  • How well do the surgeries work?
  • Will I still need to take medicine for my reflux after surgery?
  • Will I ever need to have another surgery for my reflux?

 

 

References

Kahrilas PJ, Shaheen NJ, Vaezi MF, Hiltz SW, Black E, Modlin IM. American Gastrointestinal Association Medical Position Statement on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology . 2008;135:1383-1391. PMID: 18789939 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18789939 .

Richter JE, Friedenberg FK. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 44.

 

        A Closer Look

         

        Talking to your MD

         

        Self Care

         

        Tests for Heartburn - what to ask your doctor

         

           

          Review Date: 2/8/2015

          Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.