When Is Time To See Your Gastroenterologist?

1. Over-the-counter medications don’t do the trick
You’ve tried every heartburn-prevention medication on the market. You’ve exhausted your options and nothing seems to really relieve your symptoms or prevent heartburn from surfacing after each meal. If no medications seem to be working for you, it’s time to consult your gastroenterologist about other more effective treatment options. If medications aren’t controlling your symptoms, then why continue to use them? Talk to use about other ways to manage your heartburn.
2. Heartburn can cause more severe complications
The esophageal lining is sensitive, particularly to the contents in your stomach. When it’s exposed to these contents for long periods of time, it can cause ulcers, bleeding and even scarring. Over time, it can even cause a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Chronic heartburn has also been linked to esophageal cancer. If you’ve been suffering with heartburn for an extended period of time and haven’t found a treatment that tames your symptoms, then it’s time to talk to your Bala Cynwyd gastroenterologist.
3. You want to make lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce symptoms
Sure, you can do some online research to find out what foods and drinks to avoid, but every situation is different for each patient; therefore, we would be happy to sit down with you and really go through the list of things to avoid to keep symptoms away. From certain foods to proper portion sizes to even how to sleep properly for heartburn sufferers, we know all the tricks of the trade.
Don’t let heartburn control your life. Your gastroenterologist will know how to treat your symptoms and make meal times pleasurable again. Call us to schedule your next appointment.