Endoscopy or other tests may be needed
For persistent symptoms or warning signs, we may direct you to a facility that can perform blood tests, gastroscopy, an ECG, or other appropriate examinations.
ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS
Heartburn or stomach discomfort
Burning behind the breastbone, acid reflux, or upper abdominal heaviness may come from the stomach or esophagus, but chest disease must first be excluded.
ONLINE CONSULTATION
What can be discussed online
Burning behind the breastbone, acid reflux, or upper abdominal heaviness may come from the stomach or esophagus, but chest disease must first be excluded.
- Mild recurrent heartburn or acid reflux
- Stomach heaviness related to meals
- Review of diet and previously used medicines
The doctor may recommend an in-person visit or tests when online assessment is not sufficient.
Possible causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and peptic ulcer. Heart attack and other cardiac conditions can resemble heartburn.
These symptoms may indicate a serious heart or digestive condition. If any of the following apply, prioritize in-person or emergency care.
Chest pressure, sweating, or shortness of breath
Vomiting blood or black stools
Severe persistent abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss
We may recommend in-person care and testing
- Food feels stuck or is difficult to swallow
- Unintentional weight loss or anemia
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms
- New symptoms beginning at an older age
If chest pain is accompanied by a cold sweat or shortness of breath, or if you vomit blood, consider calling 119.
To understand your condition as accurately as possible, the doctor will review the following points in order.
- 01When the symptoms began and their relationship to meals
- 02Severity of heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea
- 03Chest pain, shortness of breath, or black stools
- 04Weight loss or difficulty swallowing
- 05Alcohol, smoking, and eating habits
- 06Current medicines and history of stomach problems
Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms
The doctor will consider conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional dyspepsia, and advise on lifestyle measures and whether acid-suppressing medicine is appropriate.
Symptoms that seem like heartburn can sometimes come from heart disease. Do not self-diagnose chest pain that occurs with exertion or is accompanied by a cold sweat.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please prepare
01Food and symptom recordFoods or times of day that make symptoms worse
02Weight changesWhether you have recently lost weight
03Current medicinesIncluding pain relievers
04Health-check or test resultsIf available
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about this symptom
Can I consult you while taking an over-the-counter stomach medicine?
Yes. Please tell us the product name, how long you have taken it, and whether it has helped.
Should I have a gastroscopy?
We recommend testing if you have difficulty swallowing, weight loss, anemia, or other warning signs. We will advise you after reviewing your symptoms, age, and clinical course.
ONLINE CARE
Heartburn or stomach discomfort
The doctor may recommend an in-person visit or tests when online assessment is not sufficient.
Book an online consultation