sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Heartburn: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for new, severe, or unexplained chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness.

    This is particularly important if the discomfort spreads to your arm, jaw, back, or shoulder, or occurs with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, weakness, or nausea.

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate if you vomit blood, vomit material resembling coffee grounds, or pass black, tar-like stool.

    These can be signs of bleeding in the digestive tract.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait to see whether an antacid helps.

    Seek same-day medical advice if swallowing becomes difficult or painful, food feels stuck, or you are vomiting repeatedly.

    Prompt assessment is also important if you cannot keep fluids down.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if heartburn keeps returning, affects sleep or daily activities, or continues despite appropriate non-prescription treatment.

    You should also arrange an appointment if you have unexplained weight loss, ongoing nausea, a persistent cough or hoarse voice, or regularly need medicine to control symptoms.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Heartburn. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.