Call for emergency advice if you think you are having your first gallstone attack or if you develop fever with the pain. This can be accompanied by severe pain, but occasionally is painless. If you have already been diagnosed with gallstones and you have severe abdominal pain that lasts more than half an hour, call your doctor right away. By Dr. C. Everett Koop Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Eating spicy, acidic or fatty foods, in particular, can lead to heartburn, as can drinking alcohol.
Smoking can also cause heartburn, because it stimulates the release of stomach acid.
Heartburn is common. If you feel it often, it may cause serious problems, such as bleeding or scarring in the esophagus. As an occasional source of discomfort, however, it isn't dangerous. Medication or changes in your lifestyle will generally take care of it. Reflections on an 'Old Flame' Sexually Transmitted Diseases By Dr. C. Everett Koop Protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, begins with knowledge.