Should I see an ENT or gastroenterologist for GERD?

A GERD doctor such as a gastroenterologist is usually the best choice for diagnosing and treating this condition. In some instances, an ENT specialist may also be used to diagnose and treat GERD.

Do ENT doctors treat GERD?

Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) have extensive experience with the tools that diagnose GERD. They are specialists in treating the complications associated with GERD, including sinus and ear infections, throat and laryngeal inflammation, Barrett's esophagus and ulcerations of the esophagus.

Which doctor should I visit for GERD?

A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver).

Should I go to an ENT or gastroenterologist for LPR?

The specialist who most often treats people with LPR is the otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat physician). If your doctor thinks that you could have LPR, he or she will probably perform a throat exam first and look at the voice box and the lower throat. If this area looks swollen and/or red, you may have LPR.

Can GERD cause ENT problems?

Chronic pharyngitis and laryngitis are ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations of GERD that are associated with pathological exposure of the proximal esophagus to acid.

Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux – An ENT Physician’s View | Dinesh K. Chhetri, MD | UCLA Digestive Disease

Can an ENT perform an endoscopy?

It's done with an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light. An ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) will often do this procedure in his or her office.

What misdiagnosed GERD?

Causes of misdiagnosis of GERD are functional heartburn, achalasia, megaesophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, other types of esophagitis, and other causes. The diagnosis and treatment are specific to each of these causes of refractoriness to clinical therapy with PPI.

Can an ENT doctor diagnose silent reflux?

Silent reflux can be diagnosed via a routine visit with an Ears, Nose, & Throat physician (otolaryngologist). To evaluate throat complaints, a quick and painless in-office procedure called a fiberoptic laryngoscopy is performed.

Can an ENT stretch your esophagus?

An endoscope will be passed through your mouth into your esophagus. Your doctor will then determine if they will use a dilating balloon or plastic dilator over a guiding wire to stretch your esophagus. You may experience some mild pressure in the back of your throat or chest during the procedure.

What is the first line treatment for GERD?

Mild symptoms — In addition to lifestyle changes, the initial treatment of mild GERD includes the use of nonprescription antacids or histamine receptor antagonists. Antacids/alginates — Antacids (sample brand names: Tums, Maalox) neutralize stomach acid and are commonly used for short-term relief of heartburn symptoms.

Can you diagnose GERD without endoscopy?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be diagnosed in the office, without the need for expensive tests such as endoscopy. Learn how to make the right diagnosis while avoiding confounding symptoms that might steer a patient toward the wrong specialist.

What is the latest treatment for GERD?

The newest therapy is the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). This is an incisionless fundoplication performed with an endoscope that is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.

What are the symptoms of needing your esophagus stretched?

How do I know if I need to have my esophagus stretched?

You might need to have your esophagus stretched if you have been having trouble swallowing or other problems caused by a narrowed esophagus. When you swallow, you might experience discomfort when your esophagus becomes too narrow. This can affect your ability to eat if pain and discomfort are severe enough.

What does a stretched esophagus feel like?

The main symptom of an esophageal stricture is dysphagia, meaning difficulty in swallowing. This may manifest as a sensation of food sticking or feeling of delay in food passage in the throat, chest or upper abdomen.

What can be mistaken for silent reflux?

Silent reflux may also be confused with other conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma, and COPD. It is important to distinguish silent reflux from these other conditions as the consequences of misdiagnosis may have dire consequences, and the treatment for each condition is quite different.

Should I see a gastroenterologist for silent reflux?

It is difficult to diagnose many patients with silent reflux, as they are asymptomatic. However, if you are experiencing LPR symptoms, such as a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, you should consult your gastroenterologist.

Does silent reflux cause mucus in throat?

Silent Reflux Can Cause:

A "lump" in the throat. Trouble swallowing. Chronic cough. Too much throat mucus.

What are the red flags for GERD?

Can you still have GERD with a normal endoscopy?

Patients with GERD symptoms may exhibit a spectrum of endoscopic findings ranging from normal endoscopy (EGD negative) to severe ulcerative esophagitis. Recent evidence indicates that a large proportion of patients with GERD have normal endoscopy.

Can post nasal drip be mistaken for GERD?

Sometimes, the symptoms of GERD can mimic some of the symptoms of sinusitis. The sensation of post nasal draining and the need to clear your throat constantly may be due to post nasal drip — but may also be due to GERD.

What is the difference between ENT and gastroenterologist?

In the case of reflux, the three blind men are represented by three medical specialties, each one focusing on a different part of the aerodigestive tract: (1) The otolaryngologist (ENT physician) specializes in the ears, nose, and throat; (2) the gastroenterologist (GI physician) specializes in the esophagus (the ...

Is ENT endoscopy painful?

This test does not hurt. You may feel discomfort or pressure as the tube is put into your nose. The spray numbs your nose. It can numb your mouth and throat, and you may feel like you cannot swallow.

Does a gastroenterologist look at your throat?

A gastrointestinal (GI) doctor (gastroenterologist) uses an endoscope. The scope is a narrow, flexible tube with a light and small video camera. Through the scope, your doctor can view the inside lining of your: Esophagus: The tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.