GERD Specialist Singapore: Are they Gastroenterologists or ENT Specialists? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive ...
GERD Specialist Singapore: Are they Gastroenterologists or ENT Specialists?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition that is characterized by stomach acid frequently flowing back into the esophagus. It is known to cause symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, such as esophageal ulcers or strictures. If you're experiencing persistent GERD symptoms, you may wonder which specialist to consult— a gastroenterologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Read about GERD specialists on this page: https://andrea-digestive-clinic.com/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/.
This choice between a GERD specialist in Singapore and an ENT doctor depends on your symptoms. This is important because GERD often overlaps with other conditions.
What is GERD, and Why Does it require Specialist Care?
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, weakens or malfunctions. This causes acid to irritate the esophageal lining. If you have GERD, you may experience a wide range of symptoms including;
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest that typically occurs after eating and may worsen at night. This symptom is caused by stomach acid irritating the esophagus. If it becomes frequent or severe, GERD might be the cause.
- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth from stomach acid backing up into the throat. Chronic regurgitation can damage oral tissues and teeth if untreated.
- Chronic Cough or Hoarseness: Acid reflux can irritate the throat and voice box and cause coughing or changes in voice. These symptoms often overlap with ENT-related issues which is why they require careful evaluation.
- Trouble Swallowing (Dysphagia): Scarring or narrowing of the esophagus caused by acid damage can make swallowing difficult. This symptom often indicates advanced GERD which requires immediate specialized medical care.
Is GERD Treated by a Gastroenterologist or ENT Specialist?
Both gastroenterologists and ENT specialists play a role in managing GERD. It hugely depends on your symptoms and their severity. Here's a quick look at their roles and when to see an ENT or GERD specialist in Singapore;
- Gastroenterologists
These are experts in digestive health. Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the digestive system, including GERD.
If your symptoms are primarily related to heartburn, regurgitation, or digestive discomfort, seeing a GERD specialist in Singapore is your best option. They can:
- Conduct tests like an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach lining for damage.
- Prescribe medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid.
- Offer dietary and lifestyle advice to manage GERD triggers.
- Perform surgical procedures like fundoplication for severe cases of GERD that don't respond to medication.
Their expertise ensures a comprehensive approach to managing GERD’s digestive-related symptoms.
- ENT Specialists
ENT specialists treat conditions which affect the ear, nose, and throat. You may be referred to an ENT specialist for GERD-related symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat. Reflux that affects the throat and larynx is often referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a subset of GERD. ENT specialists can:
- Evaluate damage to the throat and voice box caused by acid reflux.
- Perform tests like laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord and throat health.
- Recommend treatments such as voice therapy or medications to reduce acid exposure in the throat.
- Collaborate with gastroenterologists for holistic care if GERD affects both the digestive and respiratory systems.
How GERD Specialists Diagnose the Condition
As you'd expect, proper diagnosis is crucial to identifying the underlying cause of GERD and tailoring treatment. Depending on your symptoms, your GERD specialist in Singapore may use the following diagnostic tools:
- Endoscopy: A gastroenterologist inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the esophagus to inspect for inflammation, ulcers, or Barrett’s esophagus. This test is often recommended for people with severe or long-standing GERD symptoms.
- pH Monitoring: This test measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours. It helps confirm GERD and determine its severity. It’s commonly used when symptoms don’t respond to medication.
- Manometry: This test evaluates the function of the esophagus and LES to ensure that they're working properly to prevent acid reflux. Manometry is often combined with other diagnostic methods.
- Laryngoscopy: If GERD symptoms involve the throat, an ENT specialist may use a laryngoscope to examine the voice box and throat lining for damage. This test can differentiate GERD from other ENT conditions.
How is GERD Treated by Specialists?
Treatment for GERD varies depending on symptom severity and the affected areas. Here are some of the common treatment options you may be recommended by your GERD specialist in Singapore:
- Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
Both gastroenterologists and ENT specialists emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes. These may include:
- Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy dishes, caffeine, and citrus fruits.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the LES.
- Elevating the head of your bed to prevent nighttime reflux.
- Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Medications
Gastroenterologists typically prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid and heal the esophagus. For example, you may be prescribed Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers or antacids.
PPIs are effective at lowering acid production and allowing the esophagus to heal. H2 blockers reduce acid levels and relieve symptoms while antacids help lower acid production and to allow the esophagus to heal provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid, though they are not a long-term solution.
- Surgery
For severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication or lifestyle changes, your GERD specialist in Singapore may recommend surgery. They typically perform procedures such as fundoplication which involves wrapping the top of the stomach around the LES to strengthen it.
Or they may recommend the LINX Device which is a magnetic band placed around the LES to prevent reflux while allowing food passage. ENT specialists may come through in cases involving airway or throat complications.
Wrapping Up
When managing GERD, the type of specialist you consult depends on your symptoms. A gastroenterologist is ideal for addressing heartburn, regurgitation, and other digestive issues, while an ENT specialist is better suited for throat-related symptoms like hoarseness or chronic cough.
Both specialists work together in complex cases to provide comprehensive care. With the right diagnosis and treatment, GERD can be effectively managed.
Are you experiencing GERD symptoms? Book an appointment with an ENT or GERD specialist in Singapore now for expert. Details below:
Andrea’s Digestive Clinic: Colon | Liver | Gallbladder | GERD | Acid Reflux Specialist
101 Irrawaddy Rd, #21-11/12 Royal Square Medical Centre,
Singapore 329565
+65 6264 2836
