Is heartburn dangerous?
Heartburn is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn should be evaluated by a GI doctor when it is not controlled by modification in lifestyle, when over the counter medications are needed more than twice a week, or when symptoms remain unresolved despite medication. If heartburn is not treated, serious complications can occur, such as severe chest pain that mimics a heart attack, an esophageal stricture (a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus), bleeding, or a pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) change in the lining of the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus.
