Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when your stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause not just discomfort but also damage over time.
Now, occasional acid reflux is common and not a cause for concern. However, it should be noted that GERD is a more chronic condition that can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Symptoms often occur at least twice a week and can interfere with daily activities. The doctors you’ll find in an accredited GERD specialist clinic in Singapore are medically known as gastroenterologists.
They focus on digestive health and conditions like GERD. Thanks to their specialized training, they can help identify the causes of GERD and recommend best treatments to control symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
This article clarifies their role and explains when it is best to see a GERD specialist in Singapore. Keep reading!
What are the Symptoms Treated by GERD Specialists
The training that your GERD specialist in Singapore receives allows them to effectively address a wide range of symptoms related to acid reflux. You may be referred to a GERD specialist for specialized treatment if you’re experiencing symptoms like:
- Heartburn which is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This symptom often worsens after eating or when lying down.
- Regurgitation which is the backflow of stomach contents into the mouth or throat, leaving a sour or bitter taste.
- Chest pain which can sometimes mistaken for heart issues. However, GERD-related chest pain occurs when acid irritates the esophagus.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) which is a feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest due to inflammation.
- Chronic cough which means persistent coughing, often worse at night. It may be caused by acid irritating the throat.
- Hoarseness which refers to raspy or strained voice, particularly in the morning, due to acid reflux affecting the vocal cords.
- Bad breath as frequent reflux can cause foul-smelling breath.
So, what does a GERD Specialist do?
Now that you understand the symptoms that may warrant an appointment with a GERD specialist in Singapore, you’re probably now wondering; what exactly do GERD specialists do? It is simple;
GERD specialist provides comprehensive care for managing the condition. Typically, here’s how they approach treatment:
- Diagnosis
The first step in treating GERD is a proper diagnosis. Specialists use various tests to determine the severity of your condition, including:
- Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to check for inflammation, ulcers, or other damage.
- pH monitoring: This test measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours to see how often acid reflux occurs.
- Esophageal manometry: This test assesses the function of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents acid from flowing back up.
- Lifestyle Adjustments
A key part of managing GERD is making lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms. That said, your GERD specialist in Singapore may recommend:
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, like spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, and alcohol.
- Losing weight if necessary, as excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and LES, a situation which may worsen reflux.
- Eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding meals close to bedtime to reduce symptoms. And,
- Elevating the head of your bed to prevent acid from rising into the esophagus at night.
- Medications
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your GERD specialist in Singapore may prescribe medications to control acid production and relieve symptoms. Common medications include:
- Antacids which neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn.
- H2 blockers which reduce acid production and provide longer-lasting relief than antacids.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which are more potent acid blockers. Actually, they are often prescribed for long-term management of GERD.
- Prokinetics which help strengthen the LES and improve digestion to reduce the likelihood of acid reflux.
- Advanced Treatments
In severe cases of GERD, when medications and lifestyle changes aren’t effective, your specialist may recommend more advanced treatments. These include:
- Surgery: For patients with a weakened or malfunctioning LES, a procedure called fundoplication may be recommended. This surgery strengthens the LES to prevent acid reflux.
- Endoscopic treatments: Non-surgical options like radiofrequency therapy or endoscopic sewing can be used to tighten the LES and reduce reflux.
When should you see a GERD Specialist?
It may not be easy to tell for sure when to see your GERD specialist in Singapore but there are symptoms that should nudge you. Here are some signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment:
- Frequent or severe symptoms: Seek professional help if you’re experiencing heartburn or regurgitation more than twice a week. Or, if over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping.
- Difficulty swallowing: If you have trouble swallowing or feel like food is getting stuck, it may indicate damage to the esophagus. This too requires prompt medical assessment.
- Unintended weight loss: Weight loss without trying can be a sign of advanced GERD. It may also indicate other complications like ulcers or esophageal narrowing.
- Chest pain: Any chest pain should be thoroughly assessed to rule out heart-related issues. If the pain is related to GERD, a specialist can help address it.
- Chronic cough or hoarseness: If GERD is affecting your throat and causing respiratory symptoms, please consult a specialist for a targeted treatment plan.
In Closing
Choosing a GERD specialist in Singapore ensures you receive the most up-to-date and personalized care. Specialists in Singapore have access to the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to ensure your condition is properly managed.
What’s more, they can guide you through insurance coverage options and help you manage the cost of treatment. Public and private healthcare facilities in Singapore offer advanced care for GERD which makes it easy to find a specialist who suits your needs.
So, be sure to see a GERD specialist if you experience frequent acid reflux, heartburn, or related symptoms. It could be all you need to find relief and prevent complications.
Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. If you notice persistent signs of GERD, it’s time to see a specialist and take control of your digestive health. You can easily schedule an appointment even right now at:
Andrea’s Digestive Clinic: Colon | Liver | Gallbladder | GERD | Acid Reflux Specialist
101 Irrawaddy Rd, #21-11/12 Royal Square Medical Centre,
Singapore 329565
+65 6264 2836
