Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Do Frequent Episodes Of Heartburn Need Medical Attention?
Question: I wrote about my mom experiencing symptoms I thought could be her heart. she's now getting episodes of heartburn and she can't see a cardiologist for almost a month. is that too long to wait if it is heart related? ?
Brief Answer:
Please, find out detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If episodes are frequent and they last more than 5 minutes, then it is two long to wait a month. In this case she can refer to ER, if she has a prolonged episode of heartburn.
But at first we will try to do a differential diagnosis, as heartburn could be caused from other problems as well.
You should know, that if it is heart related, the pain usually caused by physical activity, e.g. walking or climbing stairs, in this case heartburn usually goes away, when a patient stops and has a rest for some time.
Heartburn caused by gastric problems most often starts after the meal or in the evening.
For ruling out gastric problems I would advise your mother to take Pantoprazole 20 mg, twice a day, 30 minutes before meal for 3-5 days, if she feel some relief, then it is definitely a gastric problem and she can wait a month safely, but if there is absolutely no relief, and she has frequent and prolonged episodes which are related to physical activity, then you should try to see a doctor sooner.
Hope this was helpful
Wishing a good health to your mother
Regards,
Please, find out detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If episodes are frequent and they last more than 5 minutes, then it is two long to wait a month. In this case she can refer to ER, if she has a prolonged episode of heartburn.
But at first we will try to do a differential diagnosis, as heartburn could be caused from other problems as well.
You should know, that if it is heart related, the pain usually caused by physical activity, e.g. walking or climbing stairs, in this case heartburn usually goes away, when a patient stops and has a rest for some time.
Heartburn caused by gastric problems most often starts after the meal or in the evening.
For ruling out gastric problems I would advise your mother to take Pantoprazole 20 mg, twice a day, 30 minutes before meal for 3-5 days, if she feel some relief, then it is definitely a gastric problem and she can wait a month safely, but if there is absolutely no relief, and she has frequent and prolonged episodes which are related to physical activity, then you should try to see a doctor sooner.
Hope this was helpful
Wishing a good health to your mother
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
they're really sporadic. it sometimes comes on after eating or drinking. but as I said in my previous post she's also complaining that she just overall doesn't feel well and has shortness of breath and chest pressure. But she does also suffer from anxiety. just want to be safe rather than sorry
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
If they are really sporadic, there is no obvious relation with physical activity, and she doesn't have significant dyspnea , then you can safely wait until your appointment.
Anyway, you can always refer to ER if she develops serious complaints, which is not much probable in this case.
Take care
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
If they are really sporadic, there is no obvious relation with physical activity, and she doesn't have significant dyspnea , then you can safely wait until your appointment.
Anyway, you can always refer to ER if she develops serious complaints, which is not much probable in this case.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
