If Your Heartburn Lasts Longer Than This, It’s Time To See A Doctor
If your heartburn lasts more than two weeks or keeps returning despite using over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to see a doctor. Persistent heartburn can signal a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or even early signs of esophageal cancer.
Heartburn is that familiar burning feeling rising from your chest toward your throat. Most people experience it now and then, often after eating spicy or fatty foods. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.
Occasional heartburn is common and usually harmless. It often improves with lifestyle changes or antacids. But what if it doesn’t go away? How long is too long to wait?
Doctors generally agree that heartburn lasting more than two weeks—especially if you are taking over-the-counter medications and still have symptoms—should not be ignored. At this point, it moves beyond being a simple annoyance. Persistent heartburn can signal a more serious underlying problem.
Don’t just put up with the pain or keep hoping it will go away. If your heartburn is frequent or ongoing, it’s important to get checked. Chronic symptoms can damage the lining of your esophagus and may point to conditions like GERD, or even something more serious.1 2
What Causes Persistent Heartburn?
Many things can cause heartburn to linger, including:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): When acid reflux happens often, it’s called GERD. This condition can irritate and damage the lining of your esophagus.
- Hiatal Hernia: Sometimes, part of your stomach pushes up into your chest, making reflux more likely.
- Medications: Some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or certain blood pressure pills, can cause heartburn as a side effect.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your stomach, which can push acid upward.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure in the belly can trigger heartburn.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Heartburn can usually be managed with changes in diet or medication. But if you notice any of these symptoms, contact a doctor right away:
- Heartburn that lasts more than two weeks
- Heartburn that wakes you up at night or interferes with daily life
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food gets stuck
- Chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, neck, or jaw
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting, especially if there is blood or it looks like coffee grounds
- Black or tarry stools (a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract)
These could be warning signs of a more serious problem, such as ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, or even esophageal cancer.
What To Expect At Your Doctor’s Visit
If your heartburn keeps coming back or will not go away, your doctor will want to know:
- How often you have heartburn
- What foods or activities seem to trigger it
- What you’ve tried to relieve your symptoms
You may be asked to describe your symptoms in detail. Your doctor might recommend tests, such as:
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera looks inside your esophagus and stomach.
- pH monitoring: This measures how much acid moves up into your esophagus over 24 hours.
- Esophageal manometry: This checks how well your esophagus is working.
How To Manage Mild Heartburn
For occasional heartburn, try these tips:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid lying down right after eating
- Limit spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol
- Wear loose-fitting clothing around your stomach
- Try over-the-counter antacids as directed
But remember, if you still have symptoms after two weeks, or if you need antacids daily, you need a medical evaluation.
Why Waiting Can Be Risky
Many people try to ignore ongoing heartburn, thinking it’s just something they have to live with. Unfortunately, untreated acid reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus over time. This can lead to inflammation, ulcers, or scarring. In rare cases, long-term reflux increases your risk for a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.3
Taking action early can help you avoid these complications. Your doctor can help you find the cause and the right treatment for lasting relief.
The Bottom Line
Occasional heartburn is normal and usually nothing to worry about. But if your heartburn lingers for more than two weeks, happens more than twice a week, or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to see a doctor. Persistent heartburn can be a warning sign of a more serious issue, and getting help early can make a big difference for your health.
FAQs
1. How long should heartburn last before I worry?
If your heartburn lasts more than two weeks or keeps coming back despite lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications, see a doctor.
2. Can heartburn be a sign of something serious?
Yes, chronic heartburn can be a sign of GERD or other issues. Rarely, it can signal pre-cancerous changes or cancer.
3. What can I do at home to relieve heartburn?
Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, limit trigger foods, and try antacids. If symptoms persist, get checked by a doctor.
4. Is it normal to have heartburn every day?
No, daily heartburn is not normal. If you have it this often, seek medical advice.
5. When should I go to the emergency room for heartburn?
If you have chest pain with sweating, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, go to the emergency room. This could be a heart attack.
