Digestive health centre

When to call a doctor about digestive problems

You should call your doctor if you have any of the following digestive symptoms:

• Your heartburn persists and/or becomes more severe.
• You have the sensation of food caught in your chest or throat.
• You have unusual or persistent abdominal pain.
• Your discomfort interferes with your lifestyle or daily activities.
• You have difficulty swallowing or have pain when swallowing.
• Your heartburn is not relieved by medication or causes you to vomit.
• You vomit blood.
• You have bloody or black stools.
• You have lost a significant amount of weight.
• You have persistent hoarseness and/or a sore throat.
• You have episodes of choking.
• You have persistent diarrhoea.
• You have new or persistent constipation.