GERD Symptoms: What They Feel Like and When to See a Gastroenterologist in Brooklyn

By the IDCC Health editorial team

What Is GERD? Understanding Chronic Acid Reflux

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. Occasional heartburn is common, but GERD occurs at least twice a week or causes esophageal damage. As MedlinePlus explains, a weakened valve between the stomach and esophagus allows acid to escape.

GERD is different from occasional heartburn, it lasts longer and recurs. It can lead to esophagitis or more serious problems over time. Gastroenterologists at IDCC Health, like Cynthia Quainoo MD, use tools like endoscopy and pH monitoring to assess severity and guide treatment.

If you have persistent acid reflux, your Primary Care doctor, like Stella Geller DO, can help decide if a gastroenterologist is needed. IDCC Health offers care at 445 Kings Highway and other locations. For preparation tips, read our article on eating before a gastroenterology appointment.

Common GERD Symptoms: Heartburn, Regurgitation, and Chest Pain

GERD is chronic acid reflux occurring two or more times a week. Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain, but there are others as well.

Heartburn is a burning pain in the middle of your chest, often after eating or lying down. Regurgitation brings a sour or bitter taste to your mouth. Chest pain can be sharp or pressure-like and may mimic a heart attack, so see a cardiologist to rule out heart issues. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing, chronic cough, sore throat, hoarseness, or a lump in the throat. Nausea, dental erosion, or asthma-like symptoms can also occur from acid irritating the airways.

Factors like hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, or certain foods weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. A gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD can diagnose GERD with endoscopy or pH monitoring. For more on hernias, see our article on whether a gastroenterologist treats hernias. Also read about eating before a GI appointment. IDCC Health provides care at 445 Kings Highway and 2846 Stillwell Avenue, with Primary Care services for initial evaluation.

• Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest, often after meals or at night.
• Regurgitation: acid or food backing up into the throat or mouth.
• Chest pain: discomfort that may feel like pressure or squeezing; always seek emergency care if unsure.
• Dysphagia: difficulty or pain when swallowing.
• Chronic cough: a persistent cough that is not from a cold or allergies.
• Laryngitis or sore throat: hoarseness or irritation from acid reaching the throat.
• Nausea or vomiting: especially after eating or in the morning.

Less Typical GERD Symptoms You Should Know

While heartburn and regurgitation are well-known, many people have less typical symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, or globus sensation. These occur when acid irritates the throat or airways. Up to 50% of GERD patients have non-classic symptoms, per the NCBI Bookshelf.

Nausea, fullness after meals, or dental erosion can also signal GERD. Chest pain without burning may be GERD, but rule out heart causes first. A gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD can help diagnose. Your Primary Care provider can also refer you to the Gastroenterology team at IDCC Health.

• Chronic cough or frequent throat clearing
• Hoarseness or voice changes, especially in the morning
• Sore throat or sensation of a lump in the throat
• Asthma-like symptoms or wheezing that worsens after meals or lying down
• Nausea or vomiting without obvious cause
• Dental erosion or enamel wear
• Chest pain that is not heartburn (always check with a doctor to rule out heart issues)
• Difficulty swallowing or feeling food gets stuck

Why GERD Happens and How a Gastroenterologist Diagnoses It

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia or lifestyle factors like large meals, lying down after eating, or obesity can worsen it. A gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD can help. At IDCC Health, the Gastroenterology team specializes in GERD. See our article on hernias for more.

Diagnosis starts with symptom review and history. If unclear, an upper endoscopy or pH monitoring may be used. Fasting is required before endoscopy; see our guide. Your Primary Care doctor, like Stella Geller DO, can refer you to a gastroenterologist. IDCC Health offers Primary Care services to coordinate your care.

Untreated GERD can lead to esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus, which increases cancer risk. Early diagnosis is key. Visit our 445 Kings Highway location for evaluation. Also read our article on hepatology vs. gastroenterology. MedlinePlus and NCBI provide additional background.

Complications of Untreated GERD

Untreated GERD damages the esophageal lining over time. Esophagitis causes pain, bleeding, and ulcers. Strictures narrow the esophagus, making swallowing difficult. A gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD can diagnose these with endoscopy and recommend treatment.

Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous change in esophageal cells. Long-term untreated GERD is a major risk factor. For more on hernias, see our article. Regular monitoring through the Gastroenterology service at IDCC Health can catch changes early.

GERD can also cause asthma-like symptoms, chronic cough, hoarseness, and dental erosion. Chest pain needs cardiac evaluation, our Cardiology team can help. Pain Management and Physical Therapy may offer relief. For trouble swallowing or weight loss, see a doctor. Visit us at 445 Kings Highway or 2846 Stillwell Avenue.

• Esophagitis, inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers in the esophagus
• Esophageal strictures, narrowing that makes swallowing difficult
• Barrett's esophagus, precancerous cell changes in the esophageal lining
• Chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, or hoarseness from acid reaching the throat
• Dental erosion from repeated acid exposure

Treatment Options for GERD: From Lifestyle Changes to Surgery

Lifestyle changes: eat smaller meals, avoid trigger foods, don't lie down after eating, elevate the bed head, quit smoking, and limit alcohol. A gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD can tailor advice. See our guide on eating before a GI appointment.

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, OTC antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs may help. Long-term use needs medical guidance. For related issues like chronic cough or chest pain, consult our Cardiology team or Pain Management. Proper diagnosis via endoscopy is important; see our article on hernias.

For severe GERD, surgery like fundoplication may be needed. It's done laparoscopically. Post-surgery, Rehabilitation or Physical Therapy can help. Discuss risks and benefits at our locations, such as 445 Kings Highway or 2846 Stillwell Avenue. See our article on referrals if needed.

When to See a Doctor for GERD and How IDCC Health Can Support You

If heartburn occurs twice a week or doesn't improve with lifestyle changes or OTC meds, see a doctor. A gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD can evaluate. For referral questions, see our blog 'Do I Need a Referral to See a Gastroenterologist?'

Seek immediate care for trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or vomiting blood. Chest pain may be cardiac; our Cardiology team can help. Other red flags: persistent nausea, hoarseness, or chronic cough. See our guide on eating before a gastroenterology appointment.

IDCC Health offers comprehensive GERD support. Our Gastroenterology team coordinates with Primary Care (like Stella Geller DO), Pain Management, and Physical Therapy. Locations: 445 Kings Highway, 2846 Stillwell Avenue, and 201 Kings Highway. Call or visit our website to schedule.

• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or pain with swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing (may mimic a heart attack)
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools
• Persistent nausea, hoarseness, or a chronic cough

Frequently Asked Questions About GERD

What is the difference between occasional heartburn and GERD? Occasional heartburn happens after a heavy meal or spicy food and goes away on its own or with an antacid. GERD is a chronic condition with acid reflux at least twice a week. MedlinePlus explains GERD can damage the esophagus. If you have heartburn more than twice a week or it wakes you up at night, see a gastroenterologist like Cynthia Quainoo MD.

Can GERD cause chest pain that feels like a heart attack? Yes, GERD can cause burning chest pain. See a cardiologist to rule out heart issues. At IDCC Health, our Cardiology team can help, along with Gastroenterology. Seek emergency care if you have shortness of breath, arm or jaw pain, or nausea.

What tests does a gastroenterologist use to diagnose GERD? An upper endoscopy or pH monitoring are common. See our guide on eating before a GI appointment. For referral questions, read our guide on seeing a gastroenterologist without a referral.

• Can GERD cause a chronic cough? Yes, acid irritates the throat and airways. A Primary Care doctor or Neurologist can coordinate with a gastroenterologist.
• Is GERD linked to a hiatal hernia? Yes. See our article on whether a gastroenterologist treats hernias.
• Can GERD cause bad breath or tooth erosion? Yes. A dentist or Podiatrist may notice, but the root cause is often GERD.
• What lifestyle changes help with GERD? Smaller meals, avoid triggers, don't lie down after eating, elevate the bed head. Our Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy teams can help with posture and breathing.
• When should I see a doctor for GERD? If you have trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools. Visit us at 445 Kings Highway, 2846 Stillwell Avenue, or 201 Kings Highway.

Related Articles

• Does a Gastroenterologist Treat Hernias?
• Can Hemorrhoids Be Removed During a Colonoscopy?
• Can I Eat Before a Gastroenterology Appointment?
• Are Hepatology and Gastroenterology the Same?

Our Brooklyn Locations

• 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island)

Related Providers & Services

• Neurology
• Gynecology
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychiatry
• Podiatry

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Digestive System
• NCBI Bookshelf