Heartburn sufferers in Rochester, NY, may wonder when they should see a gastroenterologist for heartburn. It is not unusual to have heartburn occasionally, but if it disrupts your life, it is time to get help. The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester can offer relief from the burning pain and discomfort of heartburn.
What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the esophagus caused by acid backing up from the stomach. It has nothing at all to do with the heart but the location in the middle of the chest often feels like it does. You may get a nasty sour taste in your mouth as well. Some of the reasons you may be having this happen are:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Eating certain foods
- Stress and anxiety
- Being pregnant
- Hiatal hernia
- Some medications
Treating Heartburn at Home
For most people, treating heartburn in Rochester, NY at home will be adequate. Before making an appointment with your gastroenterologist you can try this:
- Take OTC antacids
- Don't lie down for two hours after eating
- Identify the foods that cause heartburn
- If you are overweight, lose some weight
- Add ginger to your diet
- Try to reduce stress
When To Make an Appointment To See a Gastroenterologist
If you have tried to treat your heartburn at home without success and have any of these symptoms, it is time to make an appointment with your gastroenterologist.
- If you have heartburn more than twice a week
- If your heartburn is keeping you up at night
- If you are having difficulty swallowing
- If you throw up blood, bile, or what looks like coffee grounds
- Heartburn that doesn't go away with medication
When heartburn has become chronic it is known as GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease. This can have serious consequences for your long-term health. You can end up having bleeding ulcers, or scar tissue in your esophagus that can impair your ability to swallow. Your gastroenterologist will be able to diagnose and recommend treatments for your heartburn.
If you are suffering from heartburn in Rochester, NY the medical professionals at Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester are here to help. To make an appointment for a consultation, give our office a call at (585) 720-1550.