Should I see a gastroenterologist for acid reflux?
How is GERD treated? If you have had heartburn or any of the other symptoms for a while, you should see your doctor. You may want to visit an internist (a doctor who specializes in internal medicine) or a gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines).
What doctor is best for acid reflux?
You can start with your family or general practitioner (primary care provider). You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a specialist in disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If your symptoms are severe and require surgery, you will be referred to a general surgeon.
How does a gastroenterologist check for acid reflux?
During an upper endoscopy, your gastroenterologist uses a flexible tube with a camera at its tip to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. While you are sedated, your doctor looks for any irritation, inflammation, or other complications to determine the severity of GERD.
When should you see a doctor for acid reflux?
If you have any of the following heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (also called acid reflux or GERD) symptoms or conditions, contact your doctor. Your heartburn symptoms have become more severe or frequent. You are having difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing, especially with solid foods or pills.
Why is my acid reflux not going away?
If you have heartburn that won’t go away and won’t respond to OTC medications, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Heartburn may be a symptom of a serious condition. Barrett’s esophagus.
Will acid reflux ever go away?
GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own. Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer.
What kind of Doctor treats acid reflux?
A doctor that treats chronic heartburn or GERD is a specialist called a gastroenterologist. Your regular doctor will often refer you when you have severe symptoms of chronic heartburn that disrupt every day routines.
What helps GERD symptoms?
Eating and drinking certain things have also been shown to help reduce the pain of GERD; perhaps the best known remedy is to drink a glass of milk. Other foods that have helped some sufferers find relief include apple cider vinegar, cumin, and papaya.
What medications cause acid reflux?
ANSWER. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medicines can cause acid reflux disease.
What kind of Doctor treats the esophagus?
An gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders (diseases) of the digestive system, gastrointestinal tract ( GI tract ), including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, duodenum, large intestine, anus, rectum, pancreas, liver disease, gallbladder disease, and biliary system.
