Should I see an ENT or gastroenterologist for GERD?

A gastroenterologist, a specialist in treating gastrointestinal orders, will often provide initial treatment for GERD.

Can an ENT doctor treat GERD?

Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) have extensive experience with the tools that diagnose GERD. They are specialists in treating the complications associated with GERD, including sinus and ear infections, throat and laryngeal inflammation, Barrett's esophagus and ulcerations of the esophagus.

Which doctor is best for GERD treatment?

Most doctors can treat GERD. Or 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. Doctors usually recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve heartburn.

Can an ENT tell if you have acid reflux?

Once referred to the ENT specialist, patients typically undergo a laryngoscopy and, based on the laryngoscopic findings, the condition may be diagnosed as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR, also known as reflux laryngitis), extra-esophageal reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related laryngitis.

Should I go to an ENT or gastroenterologist for LPR?

If you experience any symptoms on a regular basis (twice a week or more), then you may have GERD or LPR. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should be evaluated by your primary care doctor or an otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon (ENT doctor).

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Can an ENT do an endoscopy?

It's done with an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light. An ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) will often do this procedure in his or her office.

Does an ENT look at your esophagus?

TNE is an in-office test that your doctor can perform to diagnose a problem with your esophagus or stomach. TNE involves a doctor inserting a narrow tube into your nose. You swallow the tube, and a light and a tiny camera on the end help your doctor see the esophagus and stomach. TNE is simple and does not hurt.

Does GERD show up on endoscopy?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the mos common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with GERD symptoms may exhibit a spectrum of endoscopic findings ranging from normal endoscopy (EGD negative) to severe ulcerative esophagitis.

How do I know if my GERD is severe?

Seek immediate medical care if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Make an appointment with your doctor if you: Experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms.

What is the first line treatment for GERD?

Lifestyle modifications and acid-suppressive therapy through the use of antacids, H2RAs, or PPIs remain first-line treatment options for the management of GERD despite limited supporting data.

How is GERD diagnosed without endoscopy?

Diagnosing Acid Reflux With Esophageal Manometry

Your doctor may perform an esophageal manometry to help diagnose acid reflux. This is a test to assess your esophageal function. It also checks to see if the esophageal sphincter -- a valve between the stomach and esophagus -- is working as well as it should.

Does an ENT treat silent reflux?

With regard to silent reflux, which primarily affects the throat and sinuses, otolaryngologists are most likely to identify and treat the condition.

How do I know what stage of GERD I have?

Stage 1 (mild): A person has infrequent heartburn and regurgitation happening once or less each week. Stage 2 (moderate): A person has regurgitation or heartburn occurring a few times a week. Stage 3 (severe): A person has regular heartburn, a chronic cough, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, and regurgitation of food.

What is Stage 4 GERD?

Stage 4: Esophageal Cancer or Precancerous Lesions

Stage 4 GERD represents the most serious consequence of long-term reflux, and approximately 10% of people who have GERD will progress to this stage if their reflux remains uncontrolled over time.

Why is my GERD getting worse?

Your physician may suggest certain lifestyle changes, such as avoiding high-fat or spicy foods. Citrus fruits, mint flavorings, alcohol and coffee can aggravate GERD, too. These foods may irritate the esophagus or may make acid reflux more likely to occur by affecting the lower esophageal sphincter.

How often should you get an endoscopy if you have GERD?

The test might also be appropriate if you are a man 50 or older with GERD symptoms for more than five years plus other risk factors such as smoking or obesity. Most people who have Barrett's need endoscopy once every three to five years. Those with early signs of cancer require it more often.

How long do you have GERD before developing Barrett's esophagus?

If you've had trouble with heartburn, regurgitation and acid reflux for more than five years, then you should ask your doctor about your risk of Barrett's esophagus.

Can ultrasound detect GERD?

Ultrasound is a new test proven to be sensitive in the demonstration of gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

Does ENT do upper endoscopy?

In certain situations, however, an upper endoscopy by your GI doctor may be a more appropriate way to evaluate your esophagus than a TNE. Your otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor can discuss this with you. How Is TNE Performed? TNE is performed with the patient sitting in an examination chair.

What kind of doctor do you see for esophagus issues?

You are having trouble swallowing, and maybe you are also experiencing very bad acid reflux. What kind of doctor do you think you should see? For many, the answer is to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist who specializes in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Can ENT diagnose swallowing problems?

If swallowing is challenging on a consistent basis, you should consult with an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist – or an otolaryngologist. ENT specialists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the throat and voice so they are equipped to diagnose and treat issues with swallowing.

What can an ENT detect?

An ENT can help detect causes for sudden hearing loss, which may include infections, circulatory inner ear problems like Ménière's disease, and other neurological problems. Our board certified audiologists, can perform hearing tests to help find a cause.

How does a gastroenterologist check your stomach?

Your doctor will press down on the skin around your belly. They'll listen for odd bowel sounds and feel for any masses or tenderness. They may ask you to take deep breaths or cough during your exam. They might also put a finger into your rectum to feel for any bulges or masses, and to check the muscle tone.

How do you treat severe GERD?