Lifestyle changes, avoiding foods that cause acid reflux or pain, eating smaller meals more frequently, and giving up smoking are all possible treatments for GERD. See a GERD specialist if heartburn affects you often or practically always.

Acid reflux (heartburn) often occurs due to the prevalent disorder of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Chest discomfort, a burning feeling in the throat, and a foul taste in the mouth are all symptoms.

The stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum are all parts of the digestive system, and gastroenterologists are experts in identifying and treating these conditions.

Pay attention to any odd digestive problems, new pain, or discomfort in your digestive tract.

Reasons Why You Need To Visit A GERD Specialist

Here we shall help you understand the symptoms and diseases that you must take to an acid reflux specialist to avoid any further complications:

1. Extreme Cases Of Heartburn

Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus causes heartburn, which is felt as a burning discomfort in the middle of your chest.

Inflammatory substances, including alcohol, spicy meals, carbonated beverages, fried foods, and cigarettes, can trigger it.

Symptoms such as heartburn may indicate esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or persistent acid reflux illness (GERD).

Suppose you have more severe disease symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swallowing discomfort, tarry or bloody bowel movements, or dizziness. In that case, it is crucial to be seen by a gastroenterologist.

If GERD is not treated, it can permanently damage the esophagus, leading to ulcers that hurt, swallowing issues, and an increased chance of esophageal cancer.

2. Bloating

Constipation, excessive gas production, gas sensitivity, or gas lodged in the colon are the three leading causes of bloating.

Moreover, it can indicate gastroparesis, SIBO, food intolerance, or IBS.

Painful bloating that appears out of the blue is abnormal and can be a sign of the following issues:

IBS.
Celiac disease.
Gallstones.
Crohn’s disease.
Ulcerative colitis.
GERD.

Bloody stools, nausea, or painful bowel motions may also accompany it.

3. Difficulty Swallowing

If you consistently have trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or the lump in your throat worsens over time, consult a gastroenterologist.

It’s crucial to consult a physician if you have frequent acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, including heartburn and chest discomfort.

A lesion, esophageal muscular weakness, acid reflux injury, or anything else that causes the esophagus to constrict might all be contributing factors to difficulty swallowing.

Additional symptoms may include coughing, foul breath, chest pain, regurgitating food after eating, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, being hoarse in the morning, and regurgitating food. Knowing what to eat will significantly improve overall GERD symptoms.

The problem might need to be diagnosed with an upper endoscopy.

4. Constipation

Constipation that persists indicates an apparent biological problem. Lack of water, exercise, laxatives, antidepressants, dairy products, or junk food are just a few causes of constipation.

Intestinal obstruction, colonic constriction, skin rips around the anus, colon or rectal cancer, neurological conditions, and hormonal issues are a few more underlying conditions that may be to blame.

Although everyone’s bowel movements vary in frequency, constipation is commonly defined as having fewer than three in a week.

See a gastroenterologist if you frequently get constipation.

A GI expert can identify the most likely reason for your constipation and suggest dietary adjustments and medicines to promote more regular bowel movements.

5. Rectal Bleeding

Hemorrhoids, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, lesions, anal fissures, ulcers, and colorectal cancer can result in rectal bleeding.

Contacting a gastroenterologist is crucial to diagnose and treat the issue, especially if the bleeding is persistent or you’re over 40.

Also, it would be best not to automatically assume that blood in the toilet indicates hemorrhoids because it might mean a severe medical issue. Although modifying one’s way of life might help, it might not be enough to eliminate hemorrhoids’ discomfort.

Get The Top Acid Reflux Specialist Now

A doctor with board certification in gastroenterology has had specific training in treating gastrointestinal tract illnesses.

They can identify GERD and assist in creating a treatment strategy since they have had fellowship training.

GERD is a potentially dangerous disorder that increases the risk of Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer, and can cause esophageal inflammation.

One of the top experts in acid reflux worldwide, Dr. Jamie Koufman is an award-winning doctor and surgeon and a researcher, author, and author of several books.

In her book Dropping Acid, she introduced the phrases LPR and silent reflux and was the first to link the terms reflux, diet, and treatment.

She has lectured at Harvard, Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, and UCLA and appeared on Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, and CBS News.