Which specialist treats acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move back towards the food pipe, causing irritation such as heartburn, sour fluid, indigestion, nausea, or a hoarse voice. A GP reviews the pattern, triggers, medicines, and effect on sleep or eating. A gastroenterologist may investigate persistent, troublesome, or unclear symptoms and decide whether further tests are appropriate.

Record when symptoms occur, what you ate beforehand, whether lying down makes them worse, and which medicines or supplements you use. Smaller meals, avoiding personal triggers, and staying upright after eating may help some people. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Mention difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, or symptoms that continue despite the plan.

Get urgent help for chest pressure, sweating, breathlessness, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, because these can signal a heart problem rather than reflux. Seek prompt assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, food becoming stuck, persistent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.

Ask what may be triggering your symptoms, how long to try the recommended treatment, and what would justify referral to a gastroenterologist. Ask which warning signs should change the urgency of your care.