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Heartburn/GERD Health Center

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Heartburn - Emergencies

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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 becomes unconscious, see Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in 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.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 06, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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