Chronic Acid Reflux Specialist Woodbridge: When to See a Doctor
If you regularly experience heartburn or acid coming back into your throat, you may be wondering when it is time to see a doctor. Occasional heartburn is common, but persistent symptoms can require medical assessment, particularly when they are not improving or are accompanied by other symptoms.
For people searching for a chronic acid reflux specialist Woodbridge, Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre provides specialist gastrointestinal consultation and endoscopic services for conditions including gastro-esophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD.
Chronic Acid Reflux Specialist Woodbridge: When Should You See One?
Persistent acid reflux should be discussed with a healthcare professional when symptoms are frequent, recurring or interfering with everyday life.
Your doctor will consider how often you experience symptoms, how long they have been occurring and whether you have other digestive symptoms. They can then determine whether lifestyle measures, medication, monitoring or further investigation is appropriate.
Not everyone with heartburn needs to see a gastroenterologist or have a gastroscopy. The decision depends on the individual patient’s symptoms and medical history.
However, symptoms that change, become persistent or occur alongside other concerning symptoms should not simply be ignored.
What Is GERD?
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach contents move back into the esophagus and cause recurring symptoms.
Heartburn is one of the most familiar symptoms, but people can experience reflux in different ways.
Persistent symptoms can affect sleep, eating habits and everyday activities. If reflux continues despite appropriate treatment, your doctor may want to investigate further.
Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre lists GERD among the gastrointestinal conditions for which it provides consultation, diagnosis and treatment.
When Might Gastroscopy Be Recommended?
Gastroscopy is an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy that allows a specialist to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using a thin flexible camera.
The procedure may be recommended when a doctor needs to investigate symptoms such as persistent heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal pain, ulcers or difficulty swallowing.
Gastroscopy can also allow the physician to take a small tissue sample for laboratory examination if an area requires further investigation.
Importantly, gastroscopy is not automatically required for everyone with acid reflux. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history before deciding whether an endoscopic examination is appropriate.
What If Acid Reflux Is Accompanied by Difficulty Swallowing?
Difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia, should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Some people describe the sensation as food becoming stuck in the throat or chest, while others notice that swallowing has gradually become more difficult.
There are many possible causes of difficulty swallowing. If your doctor believes the upper digestive tract needs to be examined, a gastroscopy may be recommended.
At Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre, gastroscopy involves intravenous sedation and a local anesthetic spray to the throat. The centre states that the procedure allows the physician to examine the upper digestive tract and take a biopsy when appropriate.
Seeing a Gastroenterologist in Woodbridge
A gastroenterologist specializes in conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines and colon.
Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre has a team of gastroenterologists who provide specialist consultation and endoscopic services from its Woodbridge facility. The clinic is located at 3865 Major MacKenzie Dr. W., Units 109-110, and serves patients from Woodbridge, Vaughan and surrounding areas.
A referral is generally required before a procedure is booked at the centre. Mackenzie states that a consultation including a detailed medical history is usually required before a procedure is scheduled.
If you have persistent acid reflux, recurring heartburn or difficulty swallowing, speak with your doctor about your symptoms. They can determine whether referral to a gastroenterologist and further investigation such as gastroscopy is appropriate.