Why You Should See A Specialist For Your Reflux Issues
When it comes to reflux issues, many people rely on their primary care physicians to diagnose and compile a treatment plan. While this may work for people with intermittent reflux issues, for those with chronic reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, seeing a reflux specialist is the best way to go. In this article, we will discuss why seeing a reflux specialist is especially important if you have chronic reflux issues.
What is a reflux specialist?
A reflux specialist is a physician that has had additional training to be able to more skillfully diagnose and treat illnesses related to reflux. By specializing in illnesses caused by or related to reflux, a reflux doctor is better equipped to identify and treat reflux-related conditions than someone unspecialized like a primary care physician.
Do I need to see a reflux specialist?
For the occasional bout of acid reflux, you can probably get away with just visiting your primary care doctor or taking over-the-counter reflux treatments like Tums. However, if you experience reflux more frequently, you should see a reflux specialist. You should also consider seeing a reflux specialist if you have been experiencing chronic reflux, but your primary care doctor has not diagnosed your condition.
Reflux Specialists for Diagnostic Procedures
Another reason to see a reflux specialist is their knowledge of reflux-specific diagnostic tests. These tests include:
Upper endoscopy: During this test, your reflux specialist will insert a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera—called an endoscope—into your mouth and down your throat to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach.
Ambulatory acid (pH) probe test: This test uses a monitor inserted into the esophagus that measures how often and for how long you may experience acid reflux.
Esophageal manometry: A test used to measure the rhythm of muscle contractions in your esophagus as you swallow.
X-ray of your upper digestive system: Sometimes, X-rays can be used to view the inside of your digestive tract.
Reflux Specialists Can Perform Targeted Reflux Surgery
Reflux specialists have training in all of the important treatments for GERD, including surgeries such as LINX system, TIF procedure, and Nissen Fundoplication.
If you’re ready to see a reflux specialist, schedule an appointment with the reflux doctors at Tampa Bay Reflux Center today!