Digestive system

This category brings together symptoms related to the digestive system, focusing on the sensations commonly described as heartburn and reflux. These terms refer to a burning feeling in the chest or throat, or the sensation of stomach contents moving upward, which many people experience from time to time.

The information on this page and in the linked articles is general in nature. It is intended to help readers understand and describe what they are feeling, but it cannot diagnose any condition and does not replace professional medical advice. A single symptom, on its own, does not identify a disease; a clinician needs to assess the full picture, including its pattern, triggers, and any accompanying signs.

Symptoms in this category

• Heartburn and reflux: a burning sensation in the chest or throat, or a feeling of stomach contents rising upward, sometimes accompanied by a sour or bitter taste

How to describe these symptoms in a consultation

• Note when the sensation tends to appear, such as after meals, when lying down, or at night
• Describe how often it happens and whether it has changed recently in frequency or intensity
• Mention any foods, drinks, positions, or activities that seem to make it better or worse
• Note whether it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as cough, difficulty swallowing, or chest discomfort
• Mention any medicines currently being taken, since some can influence these symptoms

When to seek care

Anyone experiencing persistent, worsening, or troubling burning sensations in the chest or reflux-type symptoms may benefit from a professional assessment, since a range of underlying factors can produce similar sensations and only a clinician can evaluate them properly.

Seek care without delay (call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department) if any of the following occur:

• Sudden, severe chest pain or pressure, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black, tarry stools
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain

This page offers a general orientation to heartburn and reflux as symptoms. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified health professional, who can consider the full clinical picture before reaching any conclusion.