When it comes to GERD, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications. If left untreated or if poorly managed, GERD can lead to esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition), and esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), among other issues.
Managing GERD symptoms not only improves your quality of life but also reduces the risk of these serious complications. But, when should you see a GERD doctor in Singapore? And what kind of doctor do you need for GERD?
Those are the key questions we will be answering on this page. Keep reading!
How do you know if your GERD is Severe?
It can be challenging to tell for sure if your GERD is severe without professional help. While common symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation are usually manageable, severe GERD can present with alarming signs.
To tell if your GERD is severe, pay attention to key symptoms. Severe GERD often presents with chest pain, especially when it’s accompanied by shortness of breath, jaw pain, or arm pain, which could indicate a more serious condition. Another red flag is the presence of blood in stools or vomit, which requires immediate medical attention.
Unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of severe GERD, as it might indicate complications or malnutrition. Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food being stuck can signal that GERD is significantly impacting your esophagus and warrant a visit to a GERD doctor in Singapore.
You can also tell if your GERD is severe if acid reflux reaches the windpipe. This may cause shortness of breath, persistent coughing, or hoarseness.
What Kind of Doctor do you need for GERD?
Knowing or just suspecting that your GERD could be worse can be a little concerning. That said, it is natural if you’ve got worrisome symptoms and are wondering what kind of doctor you need for GERD.
Now, primary care physicians (PCPs) are the natural first point of contact if you’re experiencing GERD symptoms. Your PCP can perform initial evaluations and recommend basic treatments.
For example, they may suggest lifestyle and dietary changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating. They can also prescribe medications to manage symptoms, including antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Your primary care provider will also monitor your progress and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist GERD doctor for further evaluation. Specifically, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist.
Gastroenterologists focus on the digestive system and are trained to handle complex cases of GERD. The conditions that may warrant a visit to this GERD doctor include severe heartburn, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or symptoms not responding to medication.
During your visit, the gastroenterologist will conduct specialized diagnostic tests to understand the severity of your condition. These tests may include an endoscopy, where a camera is used to examine the esophagus, or pH monitoring to measure acid levels in the esophagus.
Other tests, like manometry, assess the function of the esophageal muscles. Based on the results, the gastroenterologist can recommend advanced treatment options, including stronger medications or surgical procedures if necessary.
Apart from the gastroenterologist, another specialist you may be referred to for GERD is an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist. These doctors specialize in treating GERD symptoms that affect the upper respiratory tract.
GERD can cause symptoms beyond the digestive system, such as chronic cough, hoarseness, and laryngitis, which the ENT specialist is best placed to help treat. An ENT can perform evaluations and treatments to address these specific issues. Often, ENT specialists work in coordination with gastroenterologists to provide comprehensive care.
How to Choose the Right GERD Doctor
Now that you know which groups of specialists to see for GERD you may also want to ask, how do you choose the right GERD doctor? Here are some key considerations to keep in mind;
- The Severity and Frequency of Symptoms: The severity and frequency of your GERD symptoms play a key role in determining which doctor to consult. Mild, occasional symptoms may be effectively managed by a PCP, while severe, persistent symptoms necessitate a specialist’s care.
- Referral from PCP: PCPs often coordinate care by referring patients to specialists. If your symptoms do not improve with initial treatment, your PCP will refer you to a gastroenterologist or other relevant specialists for further evaluation and management.
- Your Preferences and Convenience: Also, consider your preferences and convenience when choosing a GERD doctor in Singapore. Accessibility, location, and insurance coverage are practical factors that can influence your decision. Ensure you feel comfortable with and confident in your healthcare provider.
How do I prepare for a GERD Appointment?
The first thing you will want to do before your appointment with a GERD doctor is to gather all relevant medical information. This includes creating a symptoms diary that details when they occur, how severe they are, and how often they happen.
You can also note how your symptoms affect your daily life and sleep, and what changes you’ve made to your diet and lifestyle to relieve them. As part of your medical information, also note what antacids and other over-the-counter medications you’ve tried, and how effective they were.
On the day of your appointment with the GERD doctor, come prepared with questions for your doctor, such as how to tell the difference between heartburn and GERD, how GERD is treated, and what medicines are available. Also, ask about the potential side effects of treatments, lifestyle changes that might help manage your symptoms, and the expected timeline for seeing improvements.
The Bottom Line
Consulting the right doctor for GERD is crucial for effectively managing the condition. It all begins with taking proactive steps to seek appropriate medical advice on time.
This can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent long-term complications. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to the right healthcare professional for your needs and take control of your GERD management today.
Are you experiencing GERD symptoms that are giving you chills? Don’t wait—schedule a consultation with our expert GERD doctor today for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Call or visit us at;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block,
Singapore 258500
+65 6355 5773
