Severe heartburn can lead to esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. This can cause painful, difficult swallowing and chest pain.
If untreated, esophagitis can damage the esophagus’s lining and lead to complications such as scarring and difficulty swallowing.
If your heartburn symptoms last more than a few days, don’t improve with over-the-counter antacids, make eating difficult, are accompanied by flu-like symptoms, or are accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain that occurs shortly after eating, get checked by a doctor.
Heartburn could be a cancer symptom
Heartburn can be a sign of esophageal or stomach cancer. If you experienced persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing food for three weeks or more, you should see your doctor.
Other signs can include feeling food sticking in your throat, unexplained weight loss, feeling full, gassiness, vomiting, pain or discomfort in the top of the stomach and nausea.
