Heartburn is usually easy to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your doctor. Sometimes, heartburn can be confused with another stomach problem called dyspepsia. If the diagnosis is unclear, you may be sent to a doctor called a gastroenterologist for more testing.
First, your doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions about your heartburn, such as:
When did it begin? How long does each episode last? Is this the first time you have had heartburn? What do you usually eat at each meal? Before you feel heartburn, have you eaten a spicy or fatty meal? Do you drink a lot of coffee, other drinks with caffeine, or alcohol? Do you smoke? Do you wear clothing that is tight in the chest or belly? Do you also have pain in the chest, jaw, arm, or somewhere else? What medications are you taking? Are you vomiting blood or black material? Do you have blood in your stools? Do you have black, tarry stools? Are there other symptoms with your heartburn?
If you have not been able to improve your symptoms with home care, your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce acid. These are stronger than over-the-counter medicines. Any sign of bleeding will need more testing and treatment.
What to expect if I have Heartburn  (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Heartburn is usually easy to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your doctor. Sometimes, heartburn can be confused with another stomach problem called dyspepsia. If the diagnosis is unclear, you may be sent to a doctor called a gastroenterologist for more testing.
First, your doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions about your heartburn, such as:
When did it begin? How long does each episode last? Is this the first time you have had heartburn? What do you usually eat at each meal? Before you feel heartburn, have you eaten a spicy or fatty meal? Do you drink a lot of coffee, other drinks with caffeine, or alcohol? Do you smoke? Do you wear clothing that is tight in the chest or belly? Do you also have pain in the chest, jaw, arm, or somewhere else? What medications are you taking? Are you vomiting blood or black material? Do you have blood in your stools? Do you have black, tarry stools? Are there other symptoms with your heartburn?
If you have not been able to improve your symptoms with home care, your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce acid. These are stronger than over-the-counter medicines. Any sign of bleeding will need more testing and treatment.