When to See a Specialist about Acid Reflux

Typically, most people suffer with heartburn at some point. Indigestion, or acid reflux, usually frequently occurs after eating a meal and many people put up with heartburn at least once a month. If heartburn causes suffering more frequently or more severely, then a doctor should be consulted about it.

A number of heartburn symptoms could be a sign of a problem with acid reflux. Recurrent and severe heartburn that persists after trying various over-the-counter medicines can be a sign of a problem with acid reflux. Heartburn that impedes sleep, lifestyle and everyday activities can also be a sign of a problem with acid reflux.

Difficulty swallowing, as well as pain, the frequent sensation of food trapped in the chest or throat and pain in the back, neck or chest may be signs of acid reflux. Excess saliva, heartburn that causes vomiting and vomiting blood are known to be signs of acid reflux.

Acid reflux sufferers may also experience black stool, which is caused by digested blood. A continually sore throat and episodes of coughing, choking or wheezing may also be a sign of the presence of acid reflux. Finally, a dramatic episode of weight loss can also be a sign of acid reflux.

If you are experiencing any of these above symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your medical practitioner. Your doctor should be able to identify if you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and with treatment, help you to stop experiencing most if not all the symptoms. Finding the right medical professional to help with your health and solve your heartburn problems is also very important.

There are a number of websites that may be of use in finding the right doctor to help with your acid reflux problem.

The AARP's magazine and online website lists the top hospitals for the over-50 frequent heartburn sufferers.

A government-sponsored site called Hospital Compare provides hospital quality assurance rankings and patient rights information.

The National Institutes of Health developed the Medline Plus site with links to health professionals' directories in your area.

The American Medical Association provides a Doctor Finder service that provides information on over 700,000 physicians practicing in the United States.

With so many available options, you can easily find a medical professional familiar with acid reflux who can help you receive the treatment you need.

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About the Article Author

Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of www.OurGoodHealth.org OurGoodHealth.org provides informative articles about many health topics. For more articles on acid reflux and related topics, such as heartburn and indigestion, visit www.OurGoodHealth.org/acid-reflux/

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