It can be challenging to know when heartburn is typical and when you should talk to your doctor about treatment for heartburn. At Waco Gastroenterology Associates in Waco, TX, our team of digestive health professionals is here to help you with heartburn symptoms. Here, we’ll look at the signs you need to reach out for heartburn help.

Frequent Heartburn

If you experience heartburn twice a week or more, you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Left untreated, GERD can lead to more severe health issues. Chronic heartburn is a symptom of GERD, so it’s essential to see a gastroenterologist for evaluation. 

Severe Heartburn

Suppose you can’t find treatment for heartburn relief with over-the-counter medications in Waco, TX, or are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness, or unexplained weight loss. In that case, an underlying condition may be causing your symptoms. 

Long-Term Medication Use

If you’ve been using over-the-counter heartburn medications for more than two weeks and your symptoms are continuing to persist, it’s essential to talk with a doctor. Using heartburn medications for an extended period can complicate underlying conditions and can have harmful side effects. 

Heartburn Treatment

When you come into the office to discuss your heartburn, we may recommend diagnostic tests to learn more about your condition. These tests may include an endoscopy (a procedure that examines the esophagus and stomach), manometry (a test that measures the function of the esophagus), or pH monitoring (a test that measures the acid levels in the esophagus).

Depending on your results, we’ll discuss the next steps, including lifestyle changes, prescription medications, or surgery if your condition is severe.

Get Heartburn Treatment

At Waco Gastroenterology Associates in Waco, TX, our team is here to help you feel your best. If you experience heartburn frequently or severely, it’s important to contact us to discuss your symptoms. Call our heartburn team today at (254) 537-0911 to learn more about our practice and set up your first appointment.