Heartburn (Pyrosis): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of pyrosis (heartburn).

Family history

  • Is there a frequent history of gastrointestinal disease in your family?

Social history

  • Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Do you notice a burning sensation behind the breastbone?
  • Do you have increased acid regurgitation?
  • Have you noticed a reflux of acidic gastric juice into your mouth?
  • When do you suffer from these symptoms? After meals? In the fasting state? When lying down?
  • Do you have any other complaints such as:
    • Morning hoarseness
    • Increased chronic belching

Vegetative history including nutritional history.

  • Are you overweight? Please tell us your body weight (in kg) and height (in cm).
  • Do you eat a balanced diet? (too fatty food? too hasty food?)
  • Do you like to drink coffee, black and green tea? If yes, how many cups per day?
  • Do you drink other or additional caffeinated beverages? If so, how much of each?
  • Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (gastrointestinal diseases).
  • Operations
  • Allergies
  • Pregnancies
  • Medication history

Medication history