The content below was selected by the WebMD Editorial staff and is solely under WebMD's editorial control.

Heartburn: Questions for Your Doctor

Newly Diagnosed With
Heartburn



Start Here

Day One

What Is It?

How Do I Know I Have It?

What Is the Treatment?

10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Learn More

Get the GI Disorders Newsletter

10 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Heartburn and GERD
Occasional heartburn is common, but heartburn symptoms that are more frequent could mean something more serious such as GERD -- gastroesophageal reflux disease.

1. Is my case relatively mild or severe?
2. What lifestyle changes do you recommend for me?
3. Should I be taking over-the-counter medicines? If so, which ones?
4. Do I need prescription medicine?
5. If so, what side effects can I expect?
6. What should I do if the medicines don't seem to help?
7. Do I show any signs of esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus?
8. Should I be examined for esophageal cancer?
9. Will I need such examinations in the future?
10. Would surgery be appropriate to treat my GERD?

Medically reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD, February 27, 2007.


Do You Know the Truth About Heartburn?

For heartburn relief I turn to:

  • Natural remedies
  • Over-the-counter drugs
  • Prescription medicine
  • All of the above

Heartburn: What you want to know

  1. 1. Is your heartburn mild or severe?
  2. 2. Do you need prescription medicine?
  3. 3. Should you be examined for esophageal cancer?
  4. View All Questions