Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FISCP, DMAS
- 8 Yrs
- ASCRS Member
Acid reflux: when it is more than heartburn
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Lavanya Pothula, MS, DNBConsultant GI Surgeon
Last reviewed · 6 min read
Reflux becomes a medical problem — GERD — when it happens often enough to damage the oesophagus or disrupt sleep and eating.
Dr. Lavanya Pothula
Consultant GI Surgeon
MBBS, MS, DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
9 Yrs
Book AppointmentView Profile →Signs it has gone beyond ordinary heartburn
- Symptoms more than twice a week
- Waking at night with acid in the throat
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing
- A chronic cough or hoarse voice
- Needing antacids most days
Important
Difficulty swallowing or unintended weight loss alongside reflux should be assessed promptly with an endoscopy.
Speak to the bariatric & GI surgery team
Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.
When should I see a doctor about reflux?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.
Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?
A short consultation with a Lux bariatric & GI surgery specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.
Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted
Sources & references
Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027
This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.
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