Acid Reflux Not Going Away? See a Gastroenterologist in Brooklyn

Acid reflux is one of the most common digestive complaints, but that does not mean it should be ignored. Many people experience occasional heartburn after a heavy meal, spicy food, coffee, or eating late at night. However, when reflux happens often, keeps coming back, or does not improve with medication, it may be a sign that you need to see a gastroenterologist.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This can cause burning in the chest, sour taste in the mouth, throat irritation, nausea, burping, bloating, cough, hoarseness, or upper abdominal discomfort. Some patients describe it as burning in the chest, burning in the throat, or pain in the upper stomach area.

Many patients try over-the-counter medications such as antacids, omeprazole, pantoprazole, famotidine, or other acid reducers. These medications can help many people, but if symptoms continue despite treatment, the problem should be evaluated properly. Acid reflux that does not improve may be related to GERD, gastritis, hiatal hernia, esophagitis, ulcer disease, H. pylori infection, Barrett’s esophagus, or another digestive condition.

You should see a gastroenterologist if your reflux symptoms are frequent, worsening, or not improving with medication. You should also seek medical evaluation if you have trouble swallowing, pain with swallowing, vomiting, black stool, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, anemia, chest discomfort, persistent nausea, or severe upper abdominal pain. These symptoms may require further testing.

One important test for ongoing reflux symptoms is an upper endoscopy, also called EGD. During an upper endoscopy, a gastroenterologist can examine the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. This helps evaluate for inflammation, ulcers, gastritis, narrowing, bleeding, Barrett’s esophagus, or other conditions that may not be seen without direct examination. Biopsies may also be taken when needed.

Lifestyle changes can also help acid reflux. Patients should avoid eating late at night, avoid lying down soon after meals, reduce spicy foods, acidic foods, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, mint, carbonated drinks, and large meals if these trigger symptoms. Weight management, smoking cessation, and elevating the head of the bed may also help some patients.

However, lifestyle changes alone are not always enough. If reflux is affecting your sleep, appetite, daily comfort, or quality of life, it is time to get checked. Long-term reflux can cause inflammation and, in some patients, complications that should be monitored.

Dr. Jack Husney is a Brooklyn gastroenterologist who evaluates and treats acid reflux, GERD, gastritis, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and related digestive symptoms. If you are searching for a GERD doctor in Brooklyn, acid reflux specialist in Brooklyn, or gastroenterologist near me for heartburn, a proper GI evaluation can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment plan.

Do not keep taking medication without knowing why symptoms are continuing. If your acid reflux is not going away, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Husney in Brooklyn to discuss your symptoms, medication response, and whether an upper endoscopy may be needed.