Patient Question: After every meal I have heartburn. I take over the counter medications but nothing seems to help. What can I do?

Dr. Simmons:  Well, in this case, you should probably see your primary care provider to make sure there's nothing more serious going on. Heartburn is a very common symptom, but there are more serious conditions with symptoms that mimic that of heartburn. It would be important to see a physician to rule those things out. It may also be that you haven't taken the appropriate kind of medication or the appropriate amount. In general, especially if over-the-counter medications aren't helping, you should see a provider to make sure there's nothing else going on.

Dr. Simmons is board-certified in Family Medicine. He practices at the new Family Medicine Clinic in the Bellevue Medical Office Building, adjacent to the Bellevue Medical Center. To request an appointment with him, please call 888-898-8662.