Which doctor should you see for acid reflux. What are the types of specialists who treat GERD. When is it time to consult a GERD specialist. How do gastroenterologists diagnose and treat acid reflux. What role do ENTs play in managing reflux symptoms. Can nutritionists help with GERD management. What diagnostic tests are used for acid reflux.

Understanding GERD: More Than Just Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition characterized by frequent acid reflux episodes. While occasional heartburn is common, GERD presents a more persistent and potentially severe problem. How does GERD differ from ordinary heartburn? The key lies in the frequency and intensity of symptoms.

GERD occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. This reflux happens due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Understanding the mechanics of GERD is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Common Symptoms of GERD

• Heartburn occurring more than twice weekly
• Persistent heartburn unresponsive to antacids
• Nighttime acid reflux disrupting sleep
• Regurgitation of stomach contents
• Chest pain
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• Hoarseness
• Bad breath

Are these symptoms interfering with your daily life? If so, it may be time to consult a GERD specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

Lifestyle Modifications: The First Line of Defense Against GERD

Before seeking medical intervention, many individuals find relief through lifestyle changes. These modifications can significantly reduce GERD symptoms and improve overall quality of life. What are some effective lifestyle changes for managing GERD?

1. Maintaining a healthy weight
2. Quitting smoking
3. Reducing intake of coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages
4. Eating smaller, more frequent meals
5. Avoiding late-night eating
6. Waiting at least 3 hours after eating before lying down
7. Eliminating trigger foods (spicy, fatty, and acidic)

While these changes can be beneficial, they may not provide complete relief for everyone. When should you consider seeing a GERD specialist? If symptoms persist despite lifestyle modifications or if you experience severe or frequent episodes, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.

Navigating the World of GERD Specialists: Who to See and When

GERD can affect individuals of all ages, from infants to adults. The journey to effective GERD management often begins with a general practitioner (GP) or pediatrician. These healthcare providers can offer initial guidance, prescribe medications, and determine if specialist care is necessary. Which specialists are commonly involved in GERD treatment?

Gastroenterologists: The GERD Experts

Gastroenterologists are typically the go-to specialists for GERD diagnosis and treatment. These board-certified physicians have extensive training in gastrointestinal tract and liver conditions. What makes gastroenterologists uniquely qualified to handle GERD cases?

• Specialized knowledge of the digestive system
• Expertise in performing endoscopic procedures
• Ability to interpret complex diagnostic test results
• Experience in managing various gastrointestinal disorders

Gastroenterologists can provide comprehensive care, from initial diagnosis to long-term management of GERD symptoms.

Otolaryngologists: Addressing GERD’s Impact on ENT Health

In some cases, GERD symptoms may manifest primarily in the throat and voice box. This condition, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), may require the expertise of an otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. How do ENTs contribute to GERD management?

• Diagnosing and treating LPR
• Assessing the impact of reflux on the throat and voice
• Providing specialized care for reflux-related ENT issues
• Collaborating with gastroenterologists for comprehensive treatment

ENTs play a crucial role in addressing the upper digestive and respiratory tract symptoms associated with GERD and LPR.

Nutritionists and Dietitians: Supporting GERD Management Through Diet

While not primary GERD specialists, nutritionists and registered dietitians can be valuable allies in managing the condition. How can these professionals assist in GERD treatment?

• Developing personalized meal plans to minimize reflux
• Identifying and eliminating trigger foods
• Providing guidance on weight management
• Offering strategies for healthy eating habits

By working with a nutritionist or dietitian, patients can develop sustainable dietary habits that complement their medical treatment and reduce GERD symptoms.

Diagnostic Procedures: Unraveling the Mysteries of GERD

GERD specialists employ a variety of diagnostic tests to accurately assess the condition and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. What are the common diagnostic procedures used in GERD evaluation?

Upper Endoscopy: A Direct Look at the Esophagus

Upper endoscopy, performed under light anesthesia, allows doctors to visually examine the esophagus and stomach. During this procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth, providing detailed images of the upper digestive tract. What can an upper endoscopy reveal?

• Inflammation or damage to the esophageal lining
• Presence of ulcers or strictures
• Signs of Barrett’s esophagus
• Potential tumors or abnormal growths

Additionally, doctors may perform a biopsy during the endoscopy, collecting small tissue samples for further analysis.

Esophageal pH Monitoring: Measuring Acid Exposure

This test involves placing a small monitor in the esophagus to measure acid levels over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. How does pH monitoring aid in GERD diagnosis?

• Quantifies the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes
• Correlates symptoms with actual reflux events
• Helps determine the effectiveness of acid-suppressing medications
• Identifies patterns of reflux (e.g., nocturnal reflux)

Esophageal pH monitoring provides objective data on acid exposure, crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Esophageal Manometry: Assessing Muscle Function

This test evaluates the strength and coordination of esophageal muscles, particularly the lower esophageal sphincter. A thin tube is inserted through the nose into the esophagus to measure muscle contractions. What insights does esophageal manometry offer?

• Identifies weaknesses in the lower esophageal sphincter
• Detects abnormal muscle contractions
• Helps diagnose motility disorders
• Guides surgical planning for anti-reflux procedures

Manometry results can inform treatment decisions, especially when considering surgical interventions for GERD.

Beyond GERD: Conditions That Mimic Reflux Symptoms

GERD specialists are trained to differentiate between true GERD and other conditions that may present similar symptoms. What conditions can masquerade as GERD?

• Gastritis
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Gallstones
• Stomach ulcers
• Esophagitis
• Esophageal cancer
• Hiatal hernia
• Angina

Accurately diagnosing these conditions is crucial for appropriate treatment. GERD specialists use their expertise and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure patients receive the most effective care for their specific condition.

Treatment Approaches: From Medication to Surgery

Once a diagnosis is established, GERD specialists develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. What are the common treatment approaches for GERD?

Medications for GERD Management

Pharmacological interventions often form the cornerstone of GERD treatment. What types of medications are commonly prescribed?

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production
• H2 receptor blockers: Decrease acid secretion
• Antacids: Provide quick relief from heartburn
• Prokinetics: Improve stomach emptying and strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter

GERD specialists carefully select medications based on symptom severity, frequency, and individual patient factors.

Surgical Interventions for Severe GERD

In cases where medications and lifestyle changes prove insufficient, surgical options may be considered. What surgical procedures are available for GERD treatment?

• Nissen fundoplication: Wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus
• LINX device implantation: Placing a ring of magnetic beads around the lower esophageal sphincter
• Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF): A less invasive endoscopic procedure

GERD specialists carefully evaluate patients to determine if surgery is appropriate and which procedure would be most beneficial.

Long-Term Management: Living with GERD

Managing GERD is often a long-term endeavor requiring ongoing care and adjustments. How do GERD specialists support patients in the long run?

• Regular follow-up appointments to assess symptom control
• Periodic endoscopic examinations to monitor esophageal health
• Adjusting medications as needed
• Providing guidance on lifestyle modifications
• Addressing complications or new symptoms promptly

By working closely with their GERD specialist, patients can achieve better symptom control and improved quality of life.

GERD is a complex condition that requires specialized care for optimal management. From gastroenterologists to ENTs and nutritionists, a team of experts can provide comprehensive treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. By understanding the role of these specialists and the diagnostic tools at their disposal, individuals suffering from GERD can take proactive steps towards finding relief and preventing long-term complications. Remember, persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional evaluation – don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of a GERD specialist to regain control of your digestive health.

Types of Specialists & When to See Them

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that causes acid reflux (heartburn) at least several times a week. GERD symptoms can get in the way of daily activities or getting a good night’s sleep.

If heartburn is a daily or almost-daily part of your life, it may be time to see a GERD doctor.

In this article, we’ll go over the types of specialists who treat GERD. We’ll also clarify the symptoms that might indicate you need a specialist.

When you eat or drink, food is transported from your mouth to your stomach through a tube called the esophagus. GERD symptoms occur when stomach contents flow back up through the esophagus into the chest. This causes the burning sensation most associated with GERD.

Anyone can get an occasional bout of heartburn. GERD differs from ordinary heartburn in frequency and, in some instances, severity.

These common symptoms of GERD may require consultation with a specialist:

• heartburn that occurs more than twice weekly
• heartburn that doesn’t get better with antacid use
• acid reflux that wakes you up at night
• regurgitation of sour liquid or food particles from the stomach into the throat and mouth
• chest pain
• sore throat
• difficulty swallowing
• feeling like you have a lump in your throat
• hoarseness
• bad breath

Lifestyle changes that may help GERD symptoms

GERD symptoms may lessen with lifestyle changes, such as:

• maintaining a moderate weight
• trying to quit smoking, if you smoke
• eliminating or reducing consumption of coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages
• eating smaller meals, especially at night
• not eating late at night
• not lying down for at least 3 hours after eating
• eliminating spicy, fatty, and acidic foods from your diet

If lifestyle changes don’t eliminate these symptoms, seeing a GERD specialist may help. A GERD doctor can do medical testing that uncovers the underlying cause of your symptoms. They can also provide advice on how to handle GERD.

Babies, children, and adults can have GERD. Talking with your general healthcare practitioner (GP) or with your child’s pediatrician is a good first step for GERD treatment. They may prescribe medications that reduce symptoms, plus they can provide insight about next steps.

In many instances, your regular physician will recommend seeing a gastroenterologist or other type of specialist for testing and treatment.

Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists are board certified physicians who receive specialized training to treat conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastroenterologists are the type of specialists usually seen for diagnosis and treatment of GERD.

Otolaryngologist

Based on your symptoms, your GP may instead recommend you see an otolaryngologist. They are also known as an ENT, or ear, nose, and throat specialist. If you have stomach acid that spills into your throat or voice box, you may have laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) instead of, or in addition to, GERD. Otolaryngologists have experience diagnosing and treating both conditions.

Nutritionist or dietitian

Coaching from a nutritionist or registered dietitian may also be beneficial for helping you maintain a moderate weight. Nutritional specialists can also recommend lists of foods to eat or avoid for GERD management. These types of specialists don’t take the place of gastroenterologists or ENTs. They can, however, help with lifestyle choices and symptom management.

GERD doctors, such as gastroenterologists, receive extensive training to perform endoscopic procedures and interpret their results. GERD specialists are equipped to do diagnostic tests that uncover underlying causes and conditions that mimic GERD.

Conditions that may seem like GERD include:

• gastritis
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• gallstones
• stomach ulcers
• esophagitis
• esophageal cancer
• hiatal hernia
• angina

Diagnostic tests that a GERD specialist may do include:

• Upper endoscopy. This procedure is done under light anesthesia. A flexible tube fitted with a small camera is placed into the esophagus to examine it. Your doctor may remove a tiny piece of esophageal tissue for biopsy during an upper endoscopy.
• Esophageal pH monitoring. For this test, a small monitor is placed into your esophagus to analyze how your gastrointestinal system manages and regulates the flow of stomach acid over the course of several days.
• Esophageal manometry. During this test, a tube is placed into the esophagus through the nose to measure the strength of the esophageal muscles.
• Esophogram. For this test, you will first drink a barium solution and then have an X-ray of your upper digestive tract.
• Ambulatory 24-hour pH probe. During this test, a tube is placed into the esophagus through your nose and left in place for 24 hours. A pH sensor in the tube measures acid levels in the esophagus.

After testing and diagnosis, you may be placed on medication and monitored. In some instances, a specialist will recommend that you continue to see them for monitoring and treatment. In other cases, they may instead recommend you see your GP regularly for monitoring.

If your symptoms don’t improve, a GERD specialist may recommend other treatments, such as surgery or a Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF). Though not as widely used as surgery, a TIF procedure is starting to be used more often in clinical practices. This minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure repairs the anti-reflux barrier inside the stomach.

In some instances, diagnostic testing may show that a hiatal hernia is causing GERD symptoms. Hiatal hernias are often treated with an outpatient laparoscopy procedure, such as a Nissen fundoplication.

Surgery for GERD and its underlying causes can only be done by a GERD specialist.

Your GP may be able to recommend a GERD specialist to you. If you have health insurance, your insurer may also be able to provide a list of specialists practicing in your area. You may also wish to research patient recommendations online.

GERD specialists

GERD specialists can also be found here:

• You can find a gastroenterologist through the American College of Gastroenterology.
• You can find an otolaryngologist through the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery.
• You can find a nutrition expert through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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What to consider when choosing a specialist

When choosing a specialist, take these considerations into account:

• How many years have they been practicing their specialty?
• How experienced are they in treating your condition?
• Have any complaints been logged against them in the Federation of State Medical Boards’ DocInfo database?
• If surgery is required, how many times a week do they perform the procedure you need?
• Do they accept your insurance?
• How comfortable do they make you feel?
• Are they patient enough to answer all your questions without rushing you through the appointment?
• Does their office follow local COVID-19 safety guidelines?

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.

When is it time to see a GI Doctor about your Heartburn? (4 Signs)

Posted on 11 Nov 2019

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Tulsa Gastro

4 Signs it’s Time to See a Gastroenterologist about Your Heartburn

Everyone experiences occasional heartburn, and it’s usually only a minor nuisance. But when does heartburn become a serious health risk?

The Difference Between Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD

First, let’s establish the difference between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different definitions. Heartburn is the term used to describe the burning sensation in your chest when acid backs up into your esophagus. Since the esophagus is behind the heart, the term “heartburn” was coined. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and GERD, and it typically occurs after eating.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining and causing discomfort. This can happen when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunctions. The LES is a muscle between your esophagus and stomach, and it usually opens up when food/drink is coming, then closes again to seal the food/drink inside your stomach for digestion. If the LES malfunctions, stomach acid can flow out of your stomach and into your esophagus, burning the delicate esophageal tissue.

GERD & Heartburn

GERD is diagnosed when the esophageal tissues become inflamed or irritated because of frequent acid reflux. GERD can cause serious damage to the esophagus, and it can eventually progress into Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Although heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it is possible to have GERD without experiencing heartburn. Other symptoms could include coughing, acid regurgitation into your mouth when you bend over, hoarseness (particularly in the morning), a feeling that something is stuck in your throat, and a sore throat.

When Should I Go to the Doctor for Heartburn?

When your heartburn begins to affect your everyday life, you may wonder if it’s time to see a doctor about your symptoms. If any of the following apply to you, it is definitely time to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

You’re Still Experiencing Symptoms After Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Certain foods and behaviors can lead to heartburn, but if you’ve made changes and your heartburn still isn’t going away, it’s time to see a specialist.

You Consistently Have Heartburn 2 or More Times Per Week

Even if you take antacids regularly to combat heartburn, you may still have esophageal damage caused by stomach acid.

Over the Counter Medications Are No Longer Working

If this happens, you may need a prescription medication to ease your symptoms.

If You’ve Been Taking a PPI for More Than 8 Weeks and Aren’t Currently Under the Care of a Gastroenterologist

Common PPIs (Proton PUMP Inhibitor) include Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec. You may think that since you can buy some PPIs without a prescription, you don’t need to consult a physician about using them. But long-term PPI use can cause unwanted side effects and they can interact with other supplements, so it’s best to speak to a gastroenterologist.

If you decide to visit a gastroenterologist, they can perform an upper endoscopy to see what’s going on in your upper GI tract. Contact Tulsa Endoscopy Center to schedule an appointment today.

Healthcare Tips, Uncategorized

Laryngopharyngeal reflux – causes, symptoms and treatment

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is not an independent disease, but one of the most common manifestations of gastroesophageal disease (GERD), a pathology of the digestive system, in which the contents of the stomach or duodenum are regularly thrown into the esophagus and cause inflammation of its walls .

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is estimated to occur in about 10% of people diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Most often, reflux affects people of young and middle age: 20-60 years.

Mechanism of development of laryngopharyngeal reflux

The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. Wave-like contraction of the esophagus allows you to push the chewed food into the stomach.

In the upper and lower parts of the esophagus there are special valves – sphincters

Sphincters are located in the upper and lower parts of the esophagus – special valves that allow liquid and food to pass only down into the stomach. Outside of eating, these valves are normally closed and prevent gastric contents (undigested food and gastric juice) from entering the esophagus.

Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid, which helps digest food. Acid does not harm the stomach, but it acts destructively on other organs.

In laryngopharyngeal reflux, the upper esophageal sphincter does not close completely. As a result, the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus, and from there into the upper respiratory tract and larynx and damage their mucous membranes.

Causes of laryngopharyngeal reflux

There are a number of factors that can trigger the development of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Main causes of LPR:

• eating large amounts of salty, fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• chronic gastroduodenitis – simultaneous damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum;
• hiatal hernia – a hernial protrusion that appears when the lower esophagus, upper stomach and intestinal loops are displaced into the chest cavity;
• cholelithiasis – the formation of stones in the gallbladder;
• increased intra-abdominal pressure with flatulence, large neoplasms of internal organs or retroperitoneal space, severe obesity, as well as during pregnancy;
• taking certain drugs from the nitrate group, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants;
• irregular meals, habit of overeating before going to bed;
• Working in a bent or stooped position or taking such postures immediately after eating.

One of the causes of laryngopharyngeal reflux is eating a lot of fatty and fried foods

Symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux

The main symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux are an unproductive cough and sore throat that worsens after eating. Without timely treatment, there is a risk of developing dysphonia: the voice becomes hoarse or may completely disappear. In this case, it is only possible to speak in a whisper. Unpleasant sensations may appear in the ear area – congestion, pops.

Complications of laryngopharyngeal reflux

In LPR, the mucous membranes of the mouth and upper respiratory tract are constantly injured by the acidic contents of the stomach. Over time, this can provoke sluggish inflammatory processes.

The most common complications of laryngopharyngeal reflux – LPR:

• chronic tonsillitis – inflammation of the palatine tonsils;
• laryngitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx;
• adenoiditis – acute or chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil;
• chronic tracheobronchitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi, trachea and bronchioles (terminal branches of the bronchial tree).

Diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Diagnosis of “laryngopharyngeal reflux” is made on the basis of patient complaints, examination data and instrumental and laboratory studies.

Inspection

At the appointment, the doctor conducts a survey: he studies the patient’s diet, eating habits, be sure to pay attention to comorbidities and factors that may contribute to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.

The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) scale is sometimes used for preliminary diagnosis of LPR. The assessment is carried out on a five-point scale, where 0 – the symptom is absent, 5 – the symptom is pronounced.

If the RSI is 10 or more, the patient may be suspected of having laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Next, the specialist examines the patient’s pharynx and larynx using special lighting and mirrors. On the back and side walls of the pharynx with LPR, enlarged lymphoid follicles are usually found – they look like grains on the mucous membrane. Mucus is visible between the palatine arches, there may be plugs in the tonsils. At the same time, the mucous membrane of the pharynx is swollen and cyanotic.

When examining the larynx, the doctor may find ulceration in the vocal folds and laryngeal cartilages.

If, based on the results of the interview and examination, the doctor suspects LPR – laryngopharyngeal reflux, he may prescribe instrumental examinations to the patient to confirm the diagnosis.

Instrumental diagnostics

One of the main ways to confirm or exclude laryngopharyngeal reflux is laryngoscopy (examination of the larynx using a special mirror). The procedure allows you to assess in detail the condition of the mucous membrane of the mouth and larynx, to identify violations in the work of the vocal cords.

Also, for diagnostics, FGDS can be prescribed – fibrogastroduodenoscopy . During the procedure, a thin tube is inserted through the patient’s mouth into the esophagus, at the end of which there is a camera and a special flashlight. The procedure is not too pleasant, but does not last long.

According to the results of EGD, the doctor can assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the esophagus and sphincters – valves that are located in its upper and lower parts

Intragastric pH is a method that measures the acidity of the gastric juice and evaluates how damaging the stomach contents are to the esophagus. During the study, a flexible probe is inserted into the corresponding section of the gastrointestinal tract. The results obtained from the probe are processed by a computer.

Esophageal impedancemetry is a study that allows you to detect the movement of gastric contents into the esophagus and evaluate how often and for how long this happens, how the process is affected by the position of the person’s body, the amount of food and the type of medications that he takes. During the procedure, a thin probe equipped with special sensors is inserted into the esophagus and left for 24 hours.

To determine the causes of LPR, the doctor may refer the patient to laboratory tests.

Laboratory diagnostics

So, if chronic gastroduodenitis is suspected, it is useful to take an analysis for Helicobacter in feces by PCR. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causative agents of inflammatory diseases of the stomach and duodenum, including gastroduodenitis.

Helicobacter, DNA (Helicobacter pylori, PCR) feces, quality.

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LPR can also provoke cholelithiasis. A general and biochemical blood test helps to suspect it. The CBC will show non-specific signs of inflammation – an increase in ESR and the concentration of leukocytes. The results of a biochemical study can confirm hypercholesterolemia (increased blood levels of cholesterol), hyperbilirubinemia (high levels of bilirubin) and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity.

Extended complete blood count with leukocyte formula and reticulocytes (only venous blood)

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Treatment of LPR is carried out simultaneously with GERD therapy and includes two main areas: lifestyle changes and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Basic recommendations related to the patient’s lifestyle:

• stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
• monitor body weight;
• to sleep with the head of the bed raised by 15 cm;
• do not wear tight belts, corsets, bandages;
• adjust the diet: do not overeat at night, avoid fatty and fried foods, citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate;
• do not lie down immediately after eating;
• do not take uncontrolled drugs that provoke reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus): nitrates and calcium channel blockers (they are prescribed for heart disease), as well as antidepressants.

Proton pump inhibitors are medicines that permanently reduce stomach acid production. Usually they are prescribed in standard doses, then the dosage is reduced and gradually switched to maintenance therapy for a period of 6 months to 1 year. The dosage regimen is prescribed by the attending physician.

In difficult cases, surgical treatment may be required – Nissen fundoplication: the fundus of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus, thus creating a cuff that prevents gastric juice from flowing back into the esophagus.

Which doctor to contact for laryngopharyngeal reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is treated by an otolaryngologist (ENT) – a specialist in diseases of the larynx, pharynx, nose, and ears. He often works with a gastroenterologist.

Prognosis and prevention

With timely treatment and compliance with all doctor’s recommendations, the prognosis is favorable.

Neglected cases and self-treatment can lead to complications: chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other diseases, including pneumonia – pneumonia.

To prevent relapses, patients need to adhere to a balanced diet: do not overeat at night, refuse fatty and fried foods, citrus fruits, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Sleep with the head of the bed raised by 15 cm. Do not lift weights, watch your weight and do not tighten your chest and stomach with tight corsets and bandages.

And most importantly: when the first symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux appear, consult a general practitioner or otolaryngologist (ENT) so as not to start the disease and avoid its complications.

Sources

1. Plotnikova E.Yu., Krasnova M.V., Krasnov K.A., Baranova E.N. Laryngopharyngeal reflux in gastroenterological practice // Attending physician, 2014. No. 2. P. 61–66.
2. Plotnikova E.Yu. “Masks” of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Laryngopharyngeal reflux // IDoctor, 2014. No. 6(25). C. 28–31/
3. Kosyakov S. Ya., Loranskaya I. D., Angotoeva I. B., Muldasheva A. A. Laryngopharyngeal reflux: yesterday, today, tomorrow // Medical Council, 2016.