Who to See for Acid Reflux

If you have been experiencing symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and taking medications for acid reflux for over two weeks, consult your health care provider. You may then be sent to a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system diseases.

Symptoms

• GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid rises upward, possibly resulting in damage to the lining of the esophagus. You may experience hoarseness, a sour or bitter taste, persistent heartburn or cough, difficulty swallowing, chest and upper abdominal pain and regurgitation.

Causes

• Acid reflux can occur when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle which closes and prevents stomach contents from refluxing upward, fails to close properly. A hiatal hernia, in which the upper stomach and the sphincter rise upwards into the chest, can also result in acid reflux.

Changing Your Habits

• GERD has no known cure. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits, chocolate. You should also eat less, but more frequently, and stop smoking. You may need to lose weight.

Medications

• Common drugs for GERD include antacids like Maalox and Rolaids, foaming agents like Gaviscon, H2 blockers like Zantac 75, proton pump inhibitors like Nexium, prokinetics like Reglan, or various combinations of these. Ask your doctor before self-medicating.

Tests

• Since changing your habits and taking GERD medications are not always successful, your doctor may X-ray your digestive tract, do an upper endoscopy by looking down your throat with a flexible tube, take a biopsy through the tube, or measure the acid in your esophagus with a small monitor.

Surgery

• Surgery for GERD usually involves repairing or strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Fundoplication involves wrapping part of the stomach around the sphincter. There are procedures done through an endoscope, like cinching and sewing, that can strengthen the sphincter.