When to Contact a Doctor with GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is characterized in part by frequent, painful heartburn. It can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. How do you determine when symptoms require a doctor’s attention? Here are a few tips that can help.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you are vomiting blood, or have black or maroon bowel movements. This can indicate internal bleeding.

Talk to your doctor about GERD symptoms if you have symptoms for two weeks or more without relief. You should also talk to your doctor if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or if you feel a choking sensation. You may require reflux surgery. One option available is TIF esophyX, which is a minimally-invasive, incisionless surgery. Significant, unexplained weight loss and symptoms that continue for years but are only partially improved by medication or lifestyle changes are also reasons for a visit to the doctor.

GERD symptoms include chest pain, which can resemble a heart attack. A heart attack, however, has additional symptoms that distinguish it from GERD. Go to a Davie area emergency room or call paramedics immediately if you suffer any of the following symptoms:

• sudden, crushing chest pain
• pain that radiates down the left arm, or that spreads to the jaw, chin or shoulders
• sudden weakness
• difficulty breathing
• perspiration
• shortness of breath
• dizziness

Those are all possible symptoms of a heart attack. The sooner a person receives treatment after a heart attack, the better the chances of a full recovery.

There are other GERD-related symptoms that require more of a watch and see approach. If your doctor has not diagnosed you with GERD, for instance, but you are still experiencing frequent heartburn or other GERD symptoms, talk to a doctor if they do not improve.