When to Seek Medical Care

Although many people can relieve their reflux disease symptoms by changes in their habits and lifestyle, others need to consult their health care provider.

• Call your health care provider when symptoms of GERD occur frequently, disrupt your sleep, interfere with work or other activities, or are not relieved by self-care measures alone.
  
  
• Make your health care provider aware that you are using self-care measures so that he or she can monitor how well they work and how often you need to use them.

If you have any of the following, go immediately to the closest emergency department:

• Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your arm, neck, or back
  
  
• Vomiting followed by severe chest pain
  
  
• Vomiting blood
  
  
• Dark, tarry stools
  
  
• Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids

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GERD - Proton Pump Inhibitors

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid); however, proton pump inhibitors sometimes do not work well. If your symptoms were not relieved by treatment with proton pump inhibitors, can you please describe your GERD symptoms that did not improve? If you have other treatments that have been effective, please comment on those.

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