Red flags & when to go in person for Heartburn

Audience: adult

Heartburn is a common symptom that many adults experience as a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It often happens after eating certain foods or lying down. While heartburn can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies, sometimes it signals a more serious health problem. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and guide you on managing mild heartburn safely at home. However, certain warning signs require prompt in-person medical evaluation. These include severe or persistent chest pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting blood. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important to avoid complications. This guide explains the red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot do for heartburn, how to prepare for a virtual visit, and what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and triage but is not a substitute for emergency or specialized care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or crushing chest pain, especially if spreading to arm or jaw — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing — arrange prompt in-person evaluation.
• Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools — go to emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild, occasional heartburn symptoms for initial assessment and advice.
• Guidance on lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments.
• Follow-up on symptom management and medication effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe chest pain or symptoms suggesting heart attack.
• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as vomiting blood.
• Difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss needing physical examination and tests.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. It often happens after eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, or when lying down soon after meals. Occasional heartburn is common and usually not serious. Lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down right after eating can help reduce symptoms.

When to Use Telemedicine for Heartburn

Telemedicine can be a good option if you have mild, infrequent heartburn without other concerning symptoms. A healthcare provider can review your symptoms, suggest lifestyle changes, recommend over-the-counter treatments, and help you decide if you need in-person care. Virtual visits are convenient for follow-up and managing ongoing symptoms that are not severe.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition and require urgent evaluation in person:

If you experience any of these, seek emergency or urgent medical care promptly.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Heartburn

Before your virtual visit, prepare the following:

What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit

After your virtual appointment, your provider may:

Follow your provider’s instructions and contact them if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your heartburn symptoms including onset, frequency, and severity.
• Note any foods, drinks, or activities that trigger symptoms.
• Prepare a list of current medications and health conditions.
• Have a quiet, private space with reliable internet for the tele-visit.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow recommended lifestyle changes and medication instructions.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flags develop.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during future visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my heartburn?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for a definitive diagnosis. If needed, your provider may recommend in-person evaluation for further testing.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce heartburn?

Common helpful changes include avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, eating smaller meals, not lying down right after eating, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking.

When should I go to the emergency room for heartburn?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe chest pain, especially if it spreads to your arm or jaw, or if you vomit blood or have black stools. These could be signs of serious conditions requiring immediate care.

Are over-the-counter medications safe to use for heartburn?

Many over-the-counter antacids and acid reducers are safe when used as directed. However, consult your healthcare provider if you need to use them frequently or have other health conditions.

Can stress cause heartburn?

Stress may worsen heartburn symptoms by increasing stomach acid or causing behaviors like overeating. Managing stress can help reduce symptoms.

Sources

1. Heartburn — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Heartburn and GERD — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If you experience any emergency symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical care.