Acid Reflux and GERD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Acid Reflux and GERD?
A primary care doctor usually treats GERD first and will refer you to a gastroenterologist, a digestive system specialist, if symptoms are hard to control or there are signs of damage. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is acid reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is the long-term form of this problem that happens often and causes symptoms or damage. Many people have reflux once in a while, but GERD is a lasting condition that usually needs care.
At the bottom of the food tube is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter. It opens to let food into your stomach and closes to keep acid from coming back up. When it does not close well, acid can splash upward. Reflux that happens more than twice a week for weeks at a time is often called GERD.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest that often shows up after meals or when lying down. Some people taste sour liquid coming back up. Other signs include a long-lasting cough, a hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, or chest discomfort. Not everyone with GERD feels heartburn.
Causes and who gets it
Reflux happens when the muscle at the bottom of the food tube is weak or relaxes at the wrong time. Extra body weight, pregnancy, smoking, some medicines, and certain foods can trigger symptoms.
How doctors diagnose it
Most of the time, a doctor can diagnose GERD from your symptoms and health history. If symptoms do not improve, the doctor may order tests such as an upper endoscopy, which uses a thin tube with a camera to look at the lining of the food tube and stomach.
Treatment
Treatment usually starts with changes at home: losing extra weight, raising the head of the bed, eating smaller meals, avoiding triggers, and not eating before bed. Over-the-counter antacids and acid-blocking medicines can also help. Your doctor can explain which options make sense for you.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have heartburn most days or if over-the-counter medicines do not help. Get care right away for trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, or chest pain, which can also signal a heart problem. Untreated reflux can lead to Barrett's esophagus, which raises cancer risk.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can handle most GERD care and will refer you to a gastroenterologist when needed.
Common questions
Is GERD the same as heartburn?
No. Heartburn is a symptom, while GERD is the disease that causes it often. You can have heartburn without having GERD.
Can GERD go away on its own?
Mild reflux sometimes improves with weight loss and diet changes. Long-term GERD usually needs ongoing care, and results differ from person to person.
Are acid medicines safe to take every day?
Many people take them safely for long periods, but long-term use can have risks. Talk with your doctor about the lowest dose that works for you.
Can children get GERD?
Yes. Babies often spit up because their digestive systems are still developing, and most outgrow it. Older children can get GERD too.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
