'I'm a doctor - this is when you should get heartburn checked for something more sinister'

While heartburn is an infrequent annoyance for many people, a GP has warned that persistent symptoms could be a potential sign of a serious disease.

For the most part, heartburn is not a condition to fret over and can be nullified with basic over-the-counter remedies. That said, Dr Dan Baumgardt, a Bristol-based GP and lecturer at theUniversity of Bristollecturer, cautions that ongoing indigestion warrants medical attention.

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Baumgardt says that heartburn can sometimes signal acid reflux or, in rare instances, cancer. "Indigestion is common but not always harmless," Dr Baumgardt writes

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"Over-the-counter treatments can provide relief and many benign conditions often prove to be the underlying cause. But in some cases, persistent symptoms may signal a more serious underlying condition, including cancer."

Indigestion - or in medical jargon, dyspepsia - is defined as discomfort or pain often accompanied by bloating, burping, nausea and the feeling of fullness.

It can also involve acid reflux, which is when stomach acid flows back upstream and hits the back of your throat—often leaving a stinging, bitter taste.

According to the doctor, indigestion can be caused by a myriad of factors, including: coffee, alcohol, spicy or fatty foods, smoking, pregnancy, and large meals. In fact, you may already consider the sensation to be a short-term consequence of a particularly indulgent meal - though the feeling can also span days.

Some medicines including antidepressants, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories and iron tablets can also trigger symptoms of indigestion. It is when symptoms persist that indigestion becomes cause for concern. Indigestion can occasionally be a symptom of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Even cardiac chest pain can mimic the feeling of indigestion, according to the doctor. When those that experience persistent indigestion also deal with unexplained weight loss of upper abdominal pain, this is cause for concern. It is particularly concerning for those over the age of 50, as the risk of cancer is higher at this point.

Other warning signs according to the doctor include jaundice (yellowing of the skin, nausea and vomiting, and altered bowel movements.

While those experiencing indigestion may be tempted to reach for an over-the-counter fix like Pepto-Bismol, Dr. Baumgardt urges people to consult with their physician if they are experiencing ongoing and severe indigestion problems, especially if any of the aforementioned warning signs are at play.

"If it’s a recurrent, persistent or severe problem, or you notice other worrying changes, skip a refill at the self-medication aisle. Make an appointment with your GP instead," he concludes.