When Should You See A Doctor For Heartburn?

If you are suffering from heartburn, come to Digestive Disease Care (DDC) to discover the benefits of speaking with a heartburn doctor. Our board-certified gastroenterologists are here to provide you with treatment that is specific to your needs. Please contact us for more information or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.

Heartburn is an extremely prevalent condition affecting the lives of millions of Americans every day. Heartburn is a form of indigestion where acid is regurgitated into the esophagus and causes a burning feeling in the chest. It often comes on after eating certain foods or undergoing physical activity. Thankfully, there are many treatments available for heartburn, which is especially important for those who experience it regularly.

When should you see a doctor for heartburn?

Two signs that indicate you could have a more serious problem than heartburn alone and that require medical attention from a healthcare professional include experiencing heartburn two or more times per week and having difficulty swallowing even when heartburn isn’t present. This difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is due to acid irritation that has caused the esophagus to become inflamed. If either of these applies to you, it is time to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Additionally, if you experience two or more of the following signs or symptoms, you should consider seeing your doctor:

• Sour taste in the back of your throat
• Sore throat that won’t go away
• Dry cough without other cold symptoms
• Regurgitating small amounts of semi-digested food
• Burning in the back of your throat as you wake up
• Feeling like there’s always a lump in your throat
• Taking antacids two or more times a week or for longer than two weeks
• You are overweight or obese
• You smoke
• You’ve been diagnosed with gastroparesis, scleroderma, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Worsening asthma symptoms

Is heartburn a sign of something more serious?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, your heartburn may be the cause of an underlying condition:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Consistent coughing
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Recurring heartburn
• Chest pressure

Does medication help heartburn?

The best medications for heartburn can be given to you by your healthcare provider. Some medicines are used to bind excess acid in the stomach and to coat the esophagus, antacids may be taken after meals, at bedtime, or when needed. Other medications that block the action of chemicals that stimulate stomach cells to produce acid are known as histamines. These work on the acid-producing cells of the stomach to decrease acid production and potentially decrease symptoms.

What kind of doctor do I see for heartburn?

As with all common ailments, you should start with your primary care doctor for heartburn treatment. Your doctor may suggest you see a gastroenterologist if necessary. Gastroenterologists specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the digestive tract. Don’t ignore persistent heartburn episodes. If you believe you could benefit from meeting with a gastroenterologist, consult your doctor to find out if you need an appointment. Additionally, you can consult the professionals at Digestive Disease Care for your concerns about heartburn.

When should you see a doctor for acid reflux?

If symptoms are persistent, you should see a doctor for acid reflux, particularly if you experience unintended weight loss and problems with swallowing. Unfortunately, acid reflux can lead to stomach and esophageal ulcers and strictures. For a physical exam and review of your symptoms and medical prescription history, consult with one of the GI doctors at Digestive Disease Care (DDC) today.

If you or someone you know is experiencing heartburn, come to Digestive Disease Care (DDC) for treatment today. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating heartburn and can help you find relief from your symptoms. For more information on our heartburn treatment and how it can benefit you, call our office and get in touch with a member of our specialist team. To book an appointment with our heartburn doctor, visit our website or speak with us over the phone today. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY, and BEYOND.