Heartburn and acid reflux (GERD): causes, red flags and which doctor to see
Heartburn — a burning feeling behind the breastbone after eating — happens occasionally even in healthy people. But if it bothers you more than twice a week, disturbs your sleep or keeps you reaching for antacids, see a gastroenterologist.
Common causes
- Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus (reflux); when it happens often — gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heavy, fatty or spicy food, coffee, alcohol
- Excess weight and lying down right after meals
- Pregnancy
- Certain painkillers
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Difficulty swallowing, food feeling "stuck"
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Heartburn with unexplained weight loss
- Burning chest pain with shortness of breath and cold sweat — could be the heart, call 103
- Heartburn that first appears after 50 and quickly worsens
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Gastroenterologist
What to bring to the visit
- A diary: what triggers the heartburn and how often it happens
- A list of medicines you take, including heartburn remedies
- Gastroscopy results, if you have had one
Frequently asked questions
What are acid reflux, GERD and reflux esophagitis?
Reflux is when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus; it happens now and then even in healthy people. When it happens often and gets in the way of daily life, doctors call it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammation of the esophagus caused by reflux is called reflux esophagitis — it can be seen on a gastroscopy. A gastroenterologist deals with this.
A burning throat: is that heartburn too?
It can be: with reflux, stomach contents can rise as far as the throat, causing a burning throat, a sour taste in the mouth, hoarseness or a cough — especially after meals and when lying down. But a throat also burns when it is inflamed: if the burning is not linked to meals or you have a fever, start with a general practitioner or an ENT doctor.
What should I do if I get heartburn often?
Write down what sets it off — heavy or fatty meals, coffee, alcohol, lying down right after eating; the doctor will find this diary useful. If heartburn bothers you more than twice a week, disturbs your sleep or you need remedies for it all the time, book a gastroenterologist; with any sign from "When to seek urgent help", do not wait.
Is a gastroscopy always necessary?
Not always: with typical heartburn and no warning signs the doctor may start treatment without it. Gastroscopy is ordered when there are red flags or the treatment does not help.
Heartburn in pregnancy: who should I see?
Heartburn is common during pregnancy. Tell the gynecologist who is managing your pregnancy, and do not take heartburn remedies without checking with them. If in the second half of pregnancy you get a severe headache, vision problems, pain under the ribs or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet — even if it feels like heartburn — it needs checking straight away: call 103.
Baking soda helps — can I keep using it?
Soda gives short relief but irritates the stomach and does not treat the cause. Discuss modern options with your doctor — they last longer and are safer.
More in “Abdomen and digestion”
- Abdominal pain
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- Constipation or diarrhea in adults
Gastroenterologist
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.