Heartburn / reflux — which specialty
Burning behind the breastbone, acid coming up, or a sense of food rising.
Usually seen by
Gastroenterology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- ENT — with hoarseness or a persistent lump-in-throat sensation
- Cardiology — to be excluded first if symptoms come on with exertion
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Increasing difficulty swallowing, particularly with solid food
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools
- Unintended weight loss
- Pain spreading to the jaw or left arm, or with cold sweating
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- Which meals and which foods make it worse
- Whether lying down or bending makes it worse
- Whether it wakes you at night
- How long you have been treating it yourself and with what
- Whether you smoke or drink alcohol or coffee
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A one to two week food and symptom diary
- Previous endoscopy results
- The names of any stomach medicines you bought yourself
What a first visit usually involves
- History taking and a check for alarm features
- Upper endoscopy if indicated
- A discussion of diet, evening meal timing and sleeping position