Overview
- People should seek an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if vomiting lasts more than 48 hours, if stool appears black or dark red, or if concerning symptoms leave them unsure where to get help.
- A GP appointment is recommended if heartburn occurs most days for three weeks or longer, if there is noticeable weight loss, if symptoms worsen, if swallowing becomes difficult, or if usual treatments no longer help.
- Warning signs linked to oesophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, indigestion, frequent burping, a persistent cough, loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss, fatigue, a hoarse voice, and throat or chest pain when swallowing.
- Less common symptoms can include black stools or coughing up blood, which should prompt urgent medical advice.
- The guidance notes heartburn is often caused by acid reflux or factors such as large meals, acidic drinks, pregnancy, stress, excess weight, smoking, hormonal changes, certain medicines, or occasionally a stomach ulcer or hiatus hernia, and it urges checks if symptoms change or feel abnormal.