Heartburn

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Severe upper abdominal pain
• Chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, feels like a heavy weight on your chest, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack. Note: Symptoms of a heart attack and symptoms of heartburn may feel the same. It is important to consider all your other symptoms to determine whether you have a more serious problem.
• Signs of shock

If the person has chest pain, after calling 911 or other emergency services:

• If the person becomes unconscious, see the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
• If emergency medical personnel are not going to arrive soon and the person is awake, alert, not vomiting, and not allergic to aspirin, have the person chew and swallow 1 adult-strength aspirin (325 mg) or 4 "baby" aspirin (80 mg each) before emergency medical personnel such as paramedics arrive. Be sure to tell emergency personnel that aspirin has been taken.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
• Abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older or Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger.
• Nausea and vomiting: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older or Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger.
• Pregnancy: Go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.

Yes	Do you have heartburn pain?
Yes	Do you have blood in your vomit?
Yes	Do you have heartburn and trouble swallowing?
Yes	Has your heartburn pain continued after using prescription or nonprescription medicines for the pain?
Yes	Do you think that your heartburn may be caused by a medicine?
Yes	Do you have heartburn and a weight loss that you cannot explain?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Rectal bleeding or problems: Go to the topic Rectal Problems.
• Gas, bloating, and burping: Go to the topic Gas, Bloating, and Burping.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: September 6, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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