When to See a Doctor for Acid Reflux—and Which Specialists Can Actually Help

That burning chest feeling that keeps coming back—or shows up as a cough, sore throat, or restless sleep—might be more than “just heartburn.” Knowing when to see an acid reflux doctor (and which kind) is key to getting real, lasting relief.

Acid reflux doctor: when you should stop self-treating and get seen

Occasional acid reflux is common and usually manageable with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. “If it's happening once in a while and it's mild, you can try OTC medications and lifestyle changes,” says Austin Shuxiao, MD, a gastroenterologist.

But when should you loop in a healthcare provider? Consider making an appointment if:

• Symptoms show up most days for two or more weeks
• Heartburn hits two or more times per week
• It messes with your sleep
• It keeps coming back despite OTC treatments

Red flags that need immediate attention include trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, ongoing nausea or vomiting, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, and severe chest or abdominal pain.

What 'acid reflux' vs GERD means (and why it matters)

Think of your esophagus as a one-way street. Normally, food and liquid travel down to your stomach, and a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) keeps stomach contents from flowing back up. When that valve weakens or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can splash back into your esophagus—that's acid reflux.

In some cases, acid can travel even higher, reaching your throat and voice box. This is called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or “silent reflux,” and it can cause symptoms like a chronic cough, hoarseness, or a sore throat without the classic heartburn feeling.

Occasional reflux is normal. But when it happens two or more times per week, it's considered gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is more common in people who are pregnant, overweight, smoke, or have a hiatal hernia. Unlike occasional heartburn, GERD needs an intentional game plan to manage and prevent complications.

Common symptoms that suggest it's more than occasional heartburn

Classic heartburn—that burning sensation in your chest—isn't the only sign of acid reflux. If you're experiencing symptoms two or more times per week, that's a signal it might be GERD.

Other common symptoms include:

• Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in your mouth, or the feeling of food or liquid coming back up
• Chest pain: Can feel like pressure or a squeezing sensation
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is stuck

Silent or atypical symptoms can also point to reflux:

• Sore throat
• Chronic cough
• Excess saliva
• Shortness of breath

Any chest pain deserves attention. If you're experiencing chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, seek immediate medical care to rule out heart-related issues.

Diagnosis and testing: what clinicians do to figure out what's going on

Most of the time, acid reflux and GERD are diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. Your healthcare provider will listen to what you're experiencing and may start treatment before ordering any tests.

Testing usually comes into play when something doesn't add up—like symptoms that don't respond to treatment, or when there are red flags that suggest complications. Common tests include:

• Upper GI endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat to examine your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine
• Biopsy: Small tissue samples may be taken during endoscopy to check for inflammation or precancerous changes
• X-ray: A barium swallow test can show structural issues
• Esophageal pH test: Measures how often and how long acid enters your esophagus
• Esophageal manometry: Tests the strength and coordination of your esophageal muscles
• Transnasal esophagoscopy: A less invasive way to examine the throat and upper esophagus, often used for LPR

Which specialists can actually help (and when to see each)

Start with your primary care provider. “Primary care is often the first stop, and they can manage most cases of GERD,” says Dr. Shuxiao. “They're equipped to start treatment and can refer you to a specialist if needed.”

Here's who else might be involved in your care:

• Gastroenterologist: The go-to GERD doctor. They specialize in digestive system disorders and can perform endoscopies and other diagnostic tests. See one if symptoms persist despite treatment, if you need testing, or if there are complications.
• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor): Best for LPR symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, or throat issues. They can examine your throat and voice box and may use transnasal esophagoscopy.
• Pulmonologist: If reflux is affecting your lungs or causing breathing issues, a lung specialist can help.
• Surgeon: For severe cases, especially those involving a hiatal hernia, surgery might be an option.
• Registered dietitian: Can help identify food triggers and create a meal plan that reduces symptoms.

What to expect at a virtual visit (how to prepare)

Many cases of acid reflux and GERD can be diagnosed and managed through virtual visits. Since diagnosis hinges largely on symptoms, a thorough conversation with your provider can be very effective.

To make the most of your virtual visit, prepare:

• Symptom list: Write down all your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated
• Timing notes: When do symptoms occur? After meals? At night? When lying down?
• Frequency: How often do symptoms happen?
• Timeline: How long have you been experiencing this?
• Current medications: Include OTC and prescription meds
• What you've tried: List any treatments, lifestyle changes, or medications you've already attempted

Gen Med virtual visits can be a convenient first step to get evaluated and start treatment.

Treatment options: what usually works

Treatment for acid reflux and GERD is typically stepwise, starting with lifestyle changes and moving to medications or procedures if needed.

Lifestyle tweaks

These changes can make a significant difference:

• Don't eat and lie down—wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones
• Know your food triggers (common ones include spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods)
• Maintain a healthy weight—“Even a 5-10% weight loss can significantly improve GERD symptoms,” says Dr. Shuxiao
• Elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches
• Sleep on your left side, which can help reduce reflux
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol

Medications

When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications can help:

• OTC antacids: Quick relief for occasional symptoms
• Alginates: Form a foam barrier that floats on top of stomach contents
• H2 blockers: Reduce acid production (available OTC and by prescription)
• PPIs (proton pump inhibitors): Most powerful acid reducers, available OTC and by prescription
• Baclofen: A prescription medication that can help strengthen the LES

Surgical procedures

For severe cases that don't respond to medications, surgery may be an option:

• Nissen fundoplication: Wraps the top of the stomach around the LES to strengthen it
• LINX device: A ring of magnetic beads placed around the LES to prevent reflux while allowing food to pass through

Best acid reflux medicine: how to choose safely

The best medicine depends on your symptom pattern and severity. “It's about matching the treatment to the patient,” says Michael Genovese, MD, a gastroenterologist. “What works for occasional heartburn won't necessarily work for someone with daily GERD.”

Antacids

Best for quick relief of occasional, mild symptoms. They work by neutralizing stomach acid immediately. Use as needed, but if you find yourself reaching for them more than a couple times per week, it's time to see a doctor.

Alginates

These form a protective foam barrier that sits on top of stomach contents, preventing acid from splashing up. They're particularly helpful when taken after meals or before bed.

H2 blockers

The next step up from antacids. They reduce acid production and can provide longer-lasting relief. Good for moderate symptoms that occur a few times per week.

PPIs

The most powerful acid reducers. They're highly effective for frequent or severe GERD, but should be used under medical supervision, especially for long-term use. Your provider will monitor for potential side effects and help you determine the right duration of treatment.

GERD treatment plan: what a 'good' plan includes

A solid GERD treatment plan is multi-modal. “It's not just about taking a pill,” says Dr. Genovese. “The best outcomes come from combining lifestyle changes with the right medication at the right time.”

Here's what a comprehensive plan typically includes:

Step 1: Lifestyle and diet changes — Start here, even if you also need medications. These changes can reduce the need for medication and improve long-term outcomes.

Step 2: Medication step-up or step-down — Your provider will help you find the right medication and dose. For PPIs, a common approach is to use them for 8 weeks, then reassess. If symptoms are controlled, you might step down to a lower dose or switch to an H2 blocker.

Step 3: Maintenance and monitoring — Once symptoms are under control, you'll work with your provider on a maintenance plan. This might include periodic monitoring, especially if you're on long-term PPI therapy.

Working with a healthcare provider

Effective GERD management is a collaboration between you and your healthcare provider. Don't hesitate to ask questions and advocate for yourself.

Ask your provider:

• What does success look like for my treatment plan?
• How long should I try each step before moving to the next?
• What are the tradeoffs of different treatment options?

Make sure you have a clear safety plan and know the red-flag symptoms that mean you should seek immediate care.

When to seek care (red flags)

GERD can lead to complications if left untreated, including:

• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus
• Barrett's esophagus: A precancerous condition where the lining of the esophagus changes

These alarm symptoms can signal serious complications or other conditions that need immediate evaluation. Chest pain, especially when combined with shortness of breath, should be treated as a medical emergency.

The bottom line

If you're dealing with acid reflux symptoms that are frequent, persistent, or interfering with your life, start with your primary care provider or a Gen Med virtual visit. A stepwise treatment approach—combining lifestyle changes with the right medications—can effectively manage GERD.

“GERD can be cured or significantly improved in many cases,” says Dr. Shuxiao. “The key is getting the right diagnosis and following a treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes.”

Gen Med can help you get started with evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment—all from the comfort of your home.

Key takeaways

• Occasional heartburn is normal, but symptoms occurring 2+ times per week warrant a doctor visit
• Start with primary care or Gen Med virtual visits—they can manage most GERD cases
• GERD requires a multi-modal approach: lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures
• Red flags like trouble swallowing, weight loss, or severe chest pain need immediate attention
• With proper treatment, GERD can be cured or significantly improved

FAQs

Which doctor is best for acid reflux?

Start with your primary care provider or a Gen Med virtual visit. They can diagnose and manage most cases of acid reflux and GERD. If symptoms persist or there are complications, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive disorders.

Should I see an ENT or gastroenterologist for GERD?

It depends on your symptoms. If you have classic GERD symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, a gastroenterologist is usually the right choice. If you have throat symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat (LPR), an ENT can be helpful. Your primary care provider can help guide you to the right specialist.

Can acid reflux cause swollen eyes?

While not common, acid reflux can sometimes cause eye irritation or watering, especially with LPR when acid reaches the throat and can affect nearby structures. However, swollen eyes are more commonly caused by allergies, infections, or other conditions. If you're experiencing eye symptoms along with reflux, discuss this with your healthcare provider.

How to stop acid reflux in pregnancy?

Pregnancy increases the risk of acid reflux due to hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach. Safe options include lifestyle changes (smaller meals, avoiding triggers, sleeping propped up), antacids, and some H2 blockers. Always check with your OB-GYN before taking any medications during pregnancy. PPIs may be considered in severe cases under medical supervision.

What is the strongest treatment for acid reflux?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the strongest medications for reducing acid production. However, “strongest” doesn't always mean “best.” The right treatment depends on your specific symptoms and situation. Many people find relief with lifestyle changes and less powerful medications. Surgery (like Nissen fundoplication or LINX device) may be considered for severe cases that don't respond to medications.