Heartburn
A burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
Conditions associated with heartburn
The following conditions have been associated with heartburn in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and unintended weight loss....
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
A condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, ...
Gastroparesis
A condition in which the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early fullness....
Tests providers may use to investigate heartburn
When investigating heartburn, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Fasting Glucose
Measures blood sugar after fasting to screen for diabetes and prediabetes....
Gastrointestinal Health Tests
Fast, easy and affordable gastrointestinal lab tests-- no insurance or a doctor's referral needed. Simply orde...
H. Pylori Igg Testing
This stool test is used to help diagnose H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria infections and/or to determi...
H. pylori Test
Detects Helicobacter pylori infection associated with ulcers and gastritis....
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Reflects average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside heartburn
Bloating
A feeling of fullness, pressure, or swelling in the abdomen, often related to gas, digestion, or fluid retenti...
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a commonly encountered symptom that has been defined as an unpleasant painless subjective feeling th...
Regurgitation
The return of food or liquid from the stomach back into the mouth, which can be a sign of acid reflux or swall...
Weight loss
Reduction of total body weight....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if heartburn is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom heartburn mean?
Heartburn is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
Which conditions are associated with heartburn?
Heartburn has been reported in association with 3 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Esophageal Cancer, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastroparesis. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about heartburn?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.