Which doctor is best for acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves excessive or extreme bouts of heartburn. A GERD doctor such as a gastroenterologist is usually the best choice for diagnosing and treating this condition. In some instances, an ENT specialist may also be used to diagnose and treat GERD.

What kind of doctor does 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 GERD?

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

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 doctors fix acid reflux?

GERD can usually be controlled with medication. But if medications don't help or you wish to avoid long-term medication use, your doctor might recommend: Fundoplication. The surgeon wraps the top of your stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux.

If You Have Acid Reflux, This is What You Should Know

Can acid reflux be cured permanently?

Yes, most cases of acid reflux, sometimes referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can be cured.

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.

What are warning signs of acid reflux?

What is the safest drug for acid reflux?

Proton pump inhibitors are accepted as the most effective initial and maintenance treatment for GERD. Oral pantoprazole is a safe, well tolerated and effective initial and maintenance treatment for patients with nonerosive GERD or erosive esophagitis.

Why will my acid reflux not go away?

Then it starts—the burning in the chest, the lump in your throat, and the pain of acid reflux that won't go away without medicine. Chronic heartburn that doesn't go away despite popping several Tums or Rolaids could indicate that you've got GERD.

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.

Do you need endoscopy for acid reflux?

People with GERD don't need endoscopy unless: • Symptoms remain after four to eight weeks of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as esome- prazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid and generic), or omeprazole (Prilosec and generic). Severe inflammation of the esophagus persists despite two months of PPI treatment.

Can ultrasound detect GERD?

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

Can an ENT see 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.

How can I cure acid reflux?

Does hot water help acid reflux?

Water. The pH of most water is neutral, or 7.0, which can mildly raise the stomach's pH. However, water can also help digestion and motility of food out of your stomach and into your small intestine. This may help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Is ginger good for acid reflux?

Ginger root is a natural remedy for heartburn and nausea. Researchers hypothesize that ginger's effectiveness is due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Grate fresh ginger root into soups and smoothies and sip ginger tea one-half hour before, or after meals.

Can acid reflux damage your throat?

How acid reflux and GERD may damage the throat. In addition to potentially damaging the lower esophagus, frequent heartburn or GERD may also damage the upper throat. This can occur if the stomach acid comes all the way up into the back of the throat or nasal airway.

What is the main cause of acid reflux?

The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.

How long does acid reflux take to heal?

If you have reflux, medicine that reduces the stomach acid helps your body heal. It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

Why did I suddenly develop acid reflux?

“This can occur for multiple reasons that cause intra-abdominal pressure to be abnormally elevated, including being overweight or obese, frequent overeating, lying down too soon after eating, chronic straining or coughing, or chronic heavy lifting. These are typically the people who are more susceptible to GERD.”

Can a chest xray show acid reflux?

Barium swallow chest X ray has low sensitivity. However, it is used to identify associated problems with GERD like esophagitis, esophageal erosions, and ulcers. Findings in barium swallow imaging include the following: Free acid reflux.

How can you test for acid reflux at home?

How does a doctor test for GERD?

An endoscopy with biopsy is one of the most common tests physicians use to confirm a diagnosis of GERD. To have the procedure, you may first need a referral from your primary care physician to see a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist will examine your esophagus and may take a tissue sample for testing.

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.