What type of doctor treats acid reflux. Acid Reflux Treatment: Specialists, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Guide

07.10.202208.06.2023 by alexxlab

Who are the specialists that treat acid reflux. What are the symptoms indicating a need for professional help. How is acid reflux diagnosed and managed by medical professionals. What lifestyle changes can alleviate acid reflux symptoms. When should you consult a doctor for acid reflux.

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Understanding Acid Reflux and GERD: A Comprehensive Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition characterized by frequent acid reflux, occurring at least several times a week. This persistent discomfort can significantly impact daily life and sleep quality. But what exactly is acid reflux, and how does it differ from GERD?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. While occasional heartburn is common, GERD is distinguished by its frequency and, sometimes, severity. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper management and treatment.

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 and sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of a lump in the throat
Hoarseness and bad breath

Do these symptoms sound familiar? If you’re experiencing any of these regularly, it might be time to consult a GERD specialist.

Lifestyle Modifications: First Line of Defense Against Acid Reflux

Before seeking medical intervention, there are several lifestyle changes that can significantly alleviate GERD symptoms. These modifications can often provide relief and may even prevent the need for more intensive treatments.

Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Reduce intake of coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid late-night eating
Wait at least 3 hours after eating before lying down
Eliminate spicy, fatty, and acidic foods from your diet

Can lifestyle changes alone manage GERD symptoms effectively? While these modifications can significantly improve symptoms for many individuals, persistent issues may require professional medical intervention.

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing the Signs

If lifestyle changes fail to provide adequate relief, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. But how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor for acid reflux?

Symptoms persist despite lifestyle modifications
Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent hoarseness or wheezing
Vomiting blood or passing black stools

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition and warrant immediate medical attention. Remember, early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Navigating the Specialist Landscape: Who Treats Acid Reflux?

When it comes to treating acid reflux and GERD, several types of medical professionals may be involved in your care. Understanding their roles can help you navigate your treatment journey more effectively.

General Practitioner (GP) or Pediatrician

Your primary care physician is often the first point of contact for GERD symptoms. They can provide initial treatment and referrals to specialists if necessary. For children with GERD, pediatricians play a crucial role in managing symptoms and monitoring growth and development.

Gastroenterologist: The GERD Specialist

Gastroenterologists are the primary specialists for diagnosing and treating GERD. These board-certified physicians have extensive training in gastrointestinal disorders and are equipped to perform specialized diagnostic tests and procedures.

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

If your symptoms primarily affect your throat, voice box, or ears, your GP may refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT specialist. They are particularly adept at diagnosing and treating laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a condition related to GERD.

Nutritionist or Dietitian

While not directly involved in medical treatment, nutritionists and dietitians can play a crucial role in managing GERD symptoms. They can provide personalized dietary advice and help you maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for GERD management.

How do these specialists work together to provide comprehensive care? Often, a multidisciplinary approach involving several of these professionals can provide the most effective treatment plan for complex cases of GERD.

Diagnostic Procedures: Uncovering the Root of Acid Reflux

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective GERD treatment. GERD specialists employ various diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of symptoms and rule out other conditions that may mimic GERD.

Common Diagnostic Tests for GERD

Upper Endoscopy: A camera-equipped tube is inserted into the esophagus to examine its lining and collect tissue samples if necessary.
Esophageal pH Monitoring: A small monitor is placed in the esophagus to measure acid levels over several days.
Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the strength and coordination of esophageal muscles.
Esophagogram (Barium Swallow): X-rays are taken after drinking a barium solution to visualize the upper digestive tract.
Ambulatory 24-hour pH Probe: A tube with a pH sensor is placed in the esophagus for 24 hours to measure acid levels.

Why are these tests important? They not only confirm the presence of GERD but also help identify any complications or related conditions that may require specific treatment approaches.

Beyond GERD: Conditions That Mimic Acid Reflux

Several conditions can produce symptoms similar to GERD, making accurate diagnosis crucial. GERD specialists are trained to differentiate between these conditions and provide appropriate treatment.

Conditions Often Confused with GERD

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

How do doctors distinguish between GERD and these conditions? Through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, specialists can accurately identify the underlying cause of symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Approaches: From Medication to Surgery

Once diagnosed, GERD treatment typically follows a step-wise approach, starting with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications, and progressing to prescription drugs or surgery if necessary.

Medication Options for GERD

Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid
H2 Blockers: Reduce acid production in the stomach
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Decrease acid production and allow the esophagus to heal
Prokinetics: Strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and help the stomach empty faster

In cases where medication and lifestyle changes are insufficient, surgical options may be considered. These include procedures such as fundoplication, which strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux.

How do doctors determine the most appropriate treatment plan? Treatment decisions are based on the severity of symptoms, the presence of complications, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Regular follow-ups allow for adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Living with GERD: Long-term Management and Quality of Life

While GERD is a chronic condition, with proper management, most people can lead normal, symptom-free lives. Long-term management often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

Tips for Long-term GERD Management

Adhere to your treatment plan and take medications as prescribed
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
Keep a food diary to identify and avoid trigger foods
Elevate the head of your bed to reduce nighttime reflux
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider

Can GERD be completely cured? While there is no permanent cure for GERD, with proper management, many people achieve long-term symptom relief and prevent complications.

Understanding acid reflux and GERD is the first step towards effective management. By recognizing symptoms, making lifestyle changes, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed, you can minimize the impact of GERD on your daily life. Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you throughout your journey to better 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.