What Counts as Heartburn? When to See a Doctor in Athens, GA
January 26, 2026Heartburn is a common digestive issue that affects people of all ages. It is often described as a burning sensation in the chest or throat, sometimes accompanied by a sour or acidic taste in the mouth. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent or severe heartburn may indicate a condition that requires medical evaluation.
Patients in Athens, GA, can take steps to manage mild heartburn at home, but knowing when to see a doctor is key to preventing complications. Residents in nearby towns, including Watkinsville and Winterville, can also access trusted primary care for guidance.
What Causes Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. This can happen for several reasons, including:
- Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating
- Certain foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol
- Being overweight or pregnant
- Smoking or stress
- Some medications
Symptoms of Heartburn
Common signs of heartburn include:
- A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating
- Acidic taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling food stuck in the throat
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Occasional heartburn is usually manageable, but frequent episodes may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another underlying condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
Occasional heartburn, such as after a large meal or spicy food, is common. Frequent or severe heartburn may indicate GERD or another medical condition.
Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, and alcohol.
Yes. Eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down after eating, limiting trigger foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can all help.
Contact a primary care provider in Athens, GA if heartburn occurs more than twice a week, interferes with daily life, or is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.
Persistent heartburn can lead to complications like esophageal irritation, ulcers, or Barrett’s esophagus. Early evaluation and treatment help prevent long-term problems.
When Should I See a Doctor?
You should contact a primary care provider if you experience:
- Heartburn more than twice a week
- Pain that interferes with daily life
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, jaw, or neck (seek immediate care)
Early evaluation can help prevent complications like esophageal irritation, ulcers, or Barrett’s esophagus.
Managing Heartburn
Simple lifestyle strategies can reduce heartburn:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid lying down within 2–3 hours of eating
- Limit trigger foods and drinks
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Elevate the head of your bed slightly
Over-the-counter antacids may help for occasional symptoms, but persistent heartburn should always be discussed with a primary care provider.
Experiencing frequent heartburn? Local care is available.
If you are experiencing symptoms of heartburn, treatment and releif is closer than you think. St. Mary's Health Care system has same-day appointments available with many of our experienced and compassionate Primary Care Providers. You can also explore virtual visits for guidance on heartburn and GERD management. You can also locate one of our St. Mary’s Primary Care offices serving Athens, Watkinsville, and surrounding towns more easily than ever by viewing our locations online.
