What kind of doctor helps with acid reflux?

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).

Which doctor is best for acid reflux?

A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver).

Should I see an ENT or gastroenterologist for acid reflux?

ENT specialists can evaluate, diagnose, and treat people experiencing acid reflux–related symptoms. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, have chest pains after eating, experience frequent nausea, or have trouble swallowing, it's best to see an ENT specialist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.

What can a gastroenterologist do for acid reflux?

The most common surgical procedure to treat GERD is called fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a thin, flexible tube called a laparoscope to sew part of the top of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus. This makes it less likely that acid will back up into the esophagus.

When should I get acid reflux checked?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you: Experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms. Take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice a week.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, GERD-Mayo Clinic

What are the red flags for acid reflux?

difficulty swallowing, which may feel like a piece of food is stuck low down in your throat. pain when swallowing. a sore throat and hoarseness. a persistent cough or wheezing, which may be worse at night.

How do you know if your acid reflux is serious?

If you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with pain in the jaw, neck, or back, nausea and vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.

What is difference between acid reflux and GERD?

The feeling of acid reflux is heartburn: a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest, often occurring after meals or when lying down. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of acid reflux. In GERD, the backflow of stomach acid occurs chronically and causes damage to the body over time.

Do you need endoscopy for acid reflux?

It is important for someone with chronic heartburn symptoms to have an endoscopy. The most important thing to look for is Barrett's esophagus, a change in the lining of the esophagus that is associated with an increased cancer risk.

What if acid reflux is not treated?

GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

Can a general physician treat acid reflux?

In general acidity or acid reflux can be treated with the help of medication along with alterations in your diet and lifestyle. A general physician may recommend treatment with the help of antacids.

Can doctors see acid reflux endoscopy?

Diagnosing Acid Reflux With Endoscopy or EGD

During an endoscopy, the doctor inserts a small tube with a camera on the end through the mouth into the esophagus. This enables the doctor to see the lining of the esophagus and stomach.

Can a CT scan detect acid reflux?

There are no CT-Scan findings associated with heartburn in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). CT-Scans can be performed to exclude other causes of heartburn such as esophageal cancer, achalasia or hiatal hernia.

Can acid reflux be cured?

Yes, GERD can be cured. The most common treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is medication, which can help to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may also recommend surgery.

Is there a medical procedure to stop acid reflux?

A Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The surgery tightens the junction between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent acid reflux. The esophagus is the tube between your mouth and stomach. It is part of your gastrointestinal (GI) system.

How do doctors test for reflux?

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy

A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope. Doctors may order an upper GI endoscopy to check for complications of GERD or problems other than GERD that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy to help diagnose GERD.

What are the signs that you should have a endoscopy?

What are the 4 types of acid reflux?

Where is the pain located when you have acid reflux?

Overview. Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over.

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.

Can stress cause acid reflux?

Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.

Can acid reflux mean something serious?

Is GERD (chronic acid reflux) dangerous or life-threatening? GERD isn't life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus.

What aggravates acid reflux?

What is the last stage of acid reflux?

Stage 4: Reflux induced precancerous lesions or esophageal cancer. Stage 4 is the result of many years of untreated severe reflux. 10% of patients with long-term GERD progress to stage 4. They develop a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus.