Just about everyone feels that searing pain in their chest from time to time — heartburn.

And while over-the-counter treatments, like antacids, provide occasional relief, those who regularly experience heartburn should talk to their doctor about the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, or Barrett’s esophagus.

Heartburn is a common symptom in each of these conditions:

  • Acid reflux, the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
  • GERD, a digestive disorder affecting the lower esophageal sphincter.
  • Barrett’s esophagus, a long-term consequence of GERD and a precancerous condition of the esophagus.

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Heartburn Warning Signs

Those who experience any of the following symptoms should talk to their doctor about heartburn:

RELATED: The Right Diet for GERD

Learn more in this blog post by Dr. David Schaefer, MD, a gastroenterologist at UPMC Susquehanna.