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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Heartburn

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How is Heartburn Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

If your heartburn is severe or lasts for more than two weeks, it may be time to see a doctor. Chronic heartburn can be a sign of a more serious condition, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus which, left untreated, can damage the esophagus and possibly lead to esophageal cancer.

To determine the severity of your heartburn, your physician may order the following tests:

  • X-rays. You’ll drink barium sulfate, a liquid contrast agent, that coats the lining of your upper gastrointestinal tract (GI), making your esophagus, upper small intestine, and stomach visible on an X-ray. This helps your doctor detect any defects.
  • Endoscopy. A doctor guides a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end down your throat, providing an image of the upper GI tract.
  • Esophageal pH monitoring, or ambulatory probe test. An acid monitor is placed into your esophagus and connected to a device worn on a belt or shoulder strap. Over 24 hours, the monitor measures how often the acid backs up into the esophagus.
  • Esophageal manometry. A catheter is inserted into the esophagus to measure movement and pressure.
  • ECG (electrocardiogram). To rule out any heart issues, sensors are applied to the body so the ECG can record the heart’s electrical activity. 

How can a primary care doctor help?

A primary care doctor can address your heartburn symptoms, determine a course of treatment, and, if required, refer you to a specialist. They can suggest certain lifestyle/diet changes, recommend over-the-counter drugs, and prescribe medications that help alleviate heartburn symptoms.

How is Heartburn Treated?

Treatments

For many people, heartburn can go away on its own. You can avoid certain foods and lifestyle choices to prevent reoccurrence.

There are also many over-the-counter and home remedies one can take for heartburn relief, including:

  • Antacids. Over-the-counter antacids help neutralize stomach acid, potentially providing quick heartburn relief.
  • H2 blockers can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, offering heartburn relief for up to 12 hours. They are usually taken before the first meal of the day.
  • Proton pump inhibitors are powerful reducers of stomach acid. They are typically taken before a meal and can last up to 24 hours.
  • Baking soda. Some people find temporary heartburn relief by drinking ½ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 4 ounces of water.
  • Lemon water and honey. A tiny amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey can have an alkalizing effect, neutralizing stomach acid and providing natural heartburn relief.

If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, consult your doctor about getting a prescription-strength version of the medications.

FAQs

FAQs

Heartburn generally manifests as a burning sensation or pressure in the chest involving the upper stomach.

Foods that can help reduce stomach acid issues and prevent heartburn include ginger, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, yogurt, seeds and nuts, legumes, healthy fats like avocado, and lean proteins.

Heartburn can last for a few minutes or up to 2 hours or longer, depending on the underlying cause.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Heartburn Treatment

Heartburn is extremely common. Many symptoms can be treated at home or disappear on their own. But severe and reoccurring heartburn symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition.

NewYork-Presbyterian houses some of the best primary care physicians in the country. They can diagnose your symptoms, offer heartburn treatment solutions, and refer you to a qualified specialist if necessary.

We offer same-day appointments for critical needs, with available early, late, and weekend times. We accept most insurances, provide referrals to specialists, and provide a user-friendly patient portal for your convenience.

If you are concerned about your heartburn symptoms, reach out to us for an appointment or video visit at NewYork-Presbyterian or at one of our medical group locations.