Nearly everyone experiences heartburn at one point or another. In fact, four in 10 Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. This condition, which is characterized by a burning pain in the chest, is generally harmless and can be managed with at-home remedies and over-the-counter drugs in most situations. Frequent, persistent or severe heartburn, however, may be cause for a visit to the nearest urgent care clinic.
When to Seek Care for Heartburn
Call 911 if you experience severe pressure or pain in the chest – especially if those symptoms are accompanied by difficulty breathing or pain in the arm or jaw, as these could be signs of a heart attack. Seek urgent care or visit your primary care doctor if you have…
- Heartburn two times or more a week
- Heartburn that does not get better by taking over-the-counter drugs
- Persistent vomiting or nausea
- Trouble swallowing
- Lost weight because the anticipation of heartburn reduces your will to eat
Diagnosing & Treating Heartburn In Urgent Care
If you visit an urgent care clinic near you while presenting heartburn symptoms, a health care provider may begin the diagnostic process by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. If the provider believes your symptoms may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another health condition, certain diagnostic tests may be ordered. An x-ray is a simple in-office diagnostic test that may be used.
Depending on the exam and diagnostic process, your provider may recommend over-the-counter drugs or prescribe another type of medication for managing heartburn symptoms. Additionally, a health care provider may be able to make specific lifestyle adjustments unique to your situation and refer you to a specialist for further care.
Find an Urgent Care Near You for Heartburn
Heartburn symptoms are most common at night. If you spent a restless night losing sleep due to pain or burning in your upper chest, find an urgent care clinic near you in the morning. To get started, select “Save My Spot” below, which will bring up a map of open Bayfront Health Convenient Care locations near you with current wait times. Get started below.
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