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Warning-sign checks

Heartburn/GERD: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for new or severe chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure or squeezing or occurs with:

    • Shortness of breath
    • Sweating, faintness, or marked weakness
    • Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, jaw, back, or upper abdomen
    • Nausea or vomiting

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate for vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tar-like stools.

    These can indicate bleeding.

    Routine review is not the same as emergency care.

    It allows your symptoms and treatment to be reassessed and helps determine whether testing is needed.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care if food is stuck and you cannot swallow liquids or saliva.

    Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration also need prompt assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if:

    • Heartburn is frequent, persistent, or regularly wakes you
    • You repeatedly need non-prescription medicines
    • Treatment has stopped working
    • Swallowing is painful or becoming more difficult
    • Food often feels stuck
    • You have unexplained weight loss, anemia, or reduced appetite
    • Cough, hoarseness, or throat symptoms continue without a clear cause

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Heartburn/GERD. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.