Heartburn Treatment in Spain for Expats & Tourists
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Heartburn reviewed by video with an English-speaking GP in Spain.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
Heartburn can spoil a trip or a busy week. New food, alcohol, stress and late meals can all make it worse. Heartburn may cause:
- Burning behind the breastbone
- A sour, acid taste in your mouth
- Symptoms after meals
- Symptoms when you lie down or bend over
- Acid coming up at night
- Bloating or discomfort in your upper tummy
- A cough or hiccups that keep coming back
- Symptoms after alcohol, coffee, spicy food or late meals
Heartburn is common and usually easy to manage. But not every burning feeling in the chest or upper tummy is reflux. A careful review helps tell heartburn apart from a stomach ulcer, irritation from medicines, a gallbladder problem or a heart problem.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
The doctor asks when your symptoms happen and what sets them off. He checks for chest pain, trouble swallowing, vomiting and weight loss. He also asks about pregnancy, past reflux and painkillers such as ibuprofen. Care may include:
- Advice on the food, drink and habits that trigger your reflux
- A short course of medicine to lower stomach acid, if suitable
- A check of any medicines that can make heartburn worse
- Advice on when you need a camera test (endoscopy) or an in-person visit
Burning in the chest and acid coming back up are classic reflux symptoms. Warning signs, such as those listed below, need an in-person check rather than a video call first.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Heartburn Treatment
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Chest pain that could be a heart problem
- Trouble swallowing
- Vomiting blood
- Black stools
- Losing weight without trying
- Vomiting that keeps coming back
- Severe or worsening pain in your upper tummy
Frequently asked questions
Can heartburn be treated online in Spain?
Yes. Typical heartburn can often be assessed by video if you have no warning signs. The doctor will tell you if you need to be seen in person.
Is heartburn the same as GERD?
Not always. Heartburn is a symptom. GERD (reflux disease) is a condition in which acid coming up from the stomach causes troublesome symptoms or damage.
When does heartburn need in-person testing?
You are more likely to need tests or an exam if heartburn lasts, keeps coming back or does not get better with treatment. Warning signs, such as trouble swallowing, bleeding or weight loss, also need an in-person check.
Can a UTI cause heartburn?
Not directly. A urinary tract infection affects the bladder, urethra or kidneys, not the food pipe. Common UTI symptoms are burning when you pass urine, a sudden urge to urinate and cloudy urine. That burning is usually a sign of a bladder infection, not heartburn. Some antibiotics for a UTI can cause nausea or indigestion. A kidney infection can cause side or back pain, fever and vomiting, and needs prompt medical care.
What can I do at home to ease heartburn?
Eat smaller meals more often, and do not eat for 3 or 4 hours before bed. Raise the head of your bed by about 10 to 20 cm; extra pillows do not help. Avoid clothes that are tight around your waist. If you smoke, stopping helps, and so does losing weight if you are overweight. Cut down on the food and drinks that set off your symptoms.
Can I buy heartburn remedies at a pharmacy in Spain?
Yes. Pharmacists can recommend antacids and similar remedies for short-term relief. They are not meant to be taken regularly for a long time. If you are pregnant, ask the pharmacist or a doctor which medicines are safe. See a doctor if you have heartburn most days, or if pharmacy remedies and changes to your habits do not help.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
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