Understanding Acid Reflux and Its Emergency Signs
Most people experience acid reflux or heartburn occasionally—typically after a heavy meal, lying down too soon after eating, or consuming spicy or acidic foods. But what happens when that burning feeling in your chest becomes something more intense, more frequent, or simply doesn’t go away?
At The Heights Emergency Room in Houston, we’re here 24/7 to evaluate chest pain, persistent reflux, and related digestive concerns, ensuring it’s not something more serious like a heart condition or esophageal emergency.
What Are Common Acid Reflux Symptoms?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining. Common symptoms include:
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Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
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Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
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Pain after eating or when lying down
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Bloating or burping
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Throat tightness or hoarseness
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Difficulty swallowing (in more severe cases)
Occasional reflux can be managed with diet and over-the-counter meds. But if your symptoms become chronic, painful, or mimic cardiac distress, it’s time to take action.
When Acid Reflux Becomes an Emergency
You should go to the ER—especially The Heights ER—if you experience:
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Severe chest pain that doesn’t improve
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Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down
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Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or shoulder
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Difficulty or pain when swallowing
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Shortness of breath with chest discomfort
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Bloody vomit or black stools (possible GI bleeding)
These could signal a serious condition such as esophageal rupture, severe GERD, peptic ulcers, or even a heart attack. Better safe than sorry.
Acid Reflux vs. Heart Attack: Know the Difference
Acid reflux and heart attacks can feel alarmingly similar, which is why it’s absolutely essential not to self-diagnose when you’re experiencing chest pain or discomfort. Both conditions can present with a burning sensation in the chest, but the context and accompanying symptoms often differ—sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly. With acid reflux, chest pain typically occurs after eating or when lying down, and it’s often relieved with antacids or sitting upright. In contrast, heart attack-related pain usually comes on suddenly, often during physical activity or emotional stress, and does not improve with position changes or over-the-counter medications. While acid reflux rarely causes pain that radiates, a heart attack may involve discomfort that spreads to the arm, jaw, or shoulder. Additionally, shortness of breath and persistent nausea or vomiting are much more common with cardiac events than with reflux. Because these symptoms overlap and can escalate quickly, it’s always safest to seek emergency care when in doubt. A heart attack caught early can be life-saving, while untreated severe reflux can also lead to serious complications. At The Heights Emergency Room, our team is equipped to rapidly evaluate and distinguish between the two—ensuring you get the right diagnosis and immediate treatment.
How The Heights ER Can Help
At The Heights Emergency Room, we offer:
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No wait time — immediate assessment for chest pain and GI symptoms
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On-site diagnostics — including EKGs, X-rays, lab testing, and more
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Board-certified physicians trained to differentiate GI issues from cardiac conditions
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Advanced treatment options for pain relief and stabilization
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Comfortable, private treatment suites for a stress-free experience.
Don’t Take a Chance — Get Checked at The Heights ER
When chest pain strikes or reflux becomes too intense to manage at home, trust The Heights Emergency Room to provide quick, compassionate, and expert care. We’re open 24/7 with no appointments and no delays.