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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Medical Symptoms Guide > Heartburn: What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

Heartburn

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

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Alternate Names : Non-Cardiac Chest Pain, Pyrosis


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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

If your heartburn is from GERD, it is generally not difficult to diagnose. Your symptoms, what you eat and drink, medications you are taking, and your lifestyle are usually enough to make a clear diagnosis. If the diagnosis is unclear to your doctor, one or more tests may be performed.

First, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your heartburn, such as:

  • When did it begin?
  • How long does each episode last?
  • Is this the first time you have had heartburn?
  • What do you usually eat at each meal? Before you feel heartburn, have you eaten a spicy or fatty meal?
  • Do you drink a lot of coffee, other caffeinated beverages, or alcohol? Do you smoke?
  • Do you wear clothing that is tight in the chest or abdomen?
  • Does the pain also appear in the chest, jaw, arm, or elsewhere?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Are you vomiting blood or black material?
  • Do you have blood in your stools?
  • Do you have black, tarry stools?
  • Are there other symptoms accompanying your heartburn?
The following tests may be performed:

If self care has not been successful, your doctor may consider prescribing you medications to reduce acid secretion. These are stronger than the medications available over the counter. Any sign of bleeding will require a more complicated treatment plan.



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Definition
Heartburn: Common Causes
Heartburn: Home Care & Treatment
Call your Health Care Provider if
What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
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Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Esophageal Spasm
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Tests & Exams

EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophageal Manometry
Upper GI and Small Bowel Series

Other Topics

Bloody or Tarry Stools
Vomiting Blood

Review Date : 9/8/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma. and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/9/2002).

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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