When to See the Doctor

Most people get heartburn at some point in their lives, perhaps from eating too much or having something too spicy. If you have heartburn regularly and cutting back on certain trigger foods or drinks such as coffee doesn't help, you should see a doctor. Persistent heartburn might indicate GERD.

One condition related to GERD is Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the esophagus changes and its lining is replaced by a tissue similar to that in the stomach. Also, the constant damage to the esophagus from stomach acid refluxing can lead to changes in the esophagus lining that can become cancerous. The risk of developing this cancer - adenocarcinoma - is 30 times to 125 times higher in people who have Barrett's esophagus. This cancer is increasing rapidly in white men and may be related to the rise in obesity and GERD.

Your heartburn could actually be due to a peptic ulcer, which is often caused by bacteria called H. pylori. The bacteria weaken the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum. The acid and bacteria irritate the lining and cause a sore, or ulcer.

There are other underlying reasons for heartburn, and the bottom line is that persistent, severe, or recurrent symptoms are a reason to see the doctor.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.