You have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition causes food or stomach acid to come back up from your stomach into your esophagus. This is called reflux. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, cough, or hoarseness.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of your heartburn and reflux.
If I have heartburn, can I treat myself or do I need to see the doctor?
What foods will make my heartburn worse?
How can I change the way I eat to help my heartburn?
Will losing weight help my symptoms?
Do cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine make my heartburn worse?
What changes should I make in my bed, if I have heartburn at night?
What medicines will help my heartburn?
How do I know if I have a more serious problem?
Are there surgeries that help with heartburn and reflux?
What to ask your doctor about heartburn and reflux; Reflux - what to ask your doctor; GERD - what to ask your doctor; Gastroesophageal reflux disease - what to ask your doctor
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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