What Is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive dysfunction affecting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a bundle of muscles between the stomach and the esophagus. There are many people who suffer from symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion that are caused by GERD. Your esophagus transfers food from your mouth to your stomach. It has two sphincters, one at the top in your throat and one at the bottom where it connects to your stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) maintains a strong grip, allowing the one-way flow of food into your stomach. If the LES weakens or doesn’t close properly, however, the digestive enzymes and acid in your stomach can escape back up into your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux symptoms after eating certain foods. In these instances, over-the-counter medications may work well to temporarily calm the symptoms of GERD, such as a burning throat. Your gastroenterologist or GERD doctor can help diagnose the condition and place you on the correct medication or prescribe lifestyle modification as needed. What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux? Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. Heartburn starts as a burning sensation in your chest. It occasionally can rise into your throat, leaving a sour taste in your mouth and a feeling of a burning throat. When you experience this symptom, it’s called acid regurgitation. Other GERD symptoms involve unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or radiating arm pain. These can be signs of a heart problem, and you should seek immediate medical attention and call 911. More worrisome symptoms include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and blood in the stool and others, which should be immediately evaluated. Your signs of GERD should be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a physician or GERD specialist in the Upper East Side for an accurate diagnosis and acid reflux treatment plan and to exclude any other conditions. Chronic GERD symptoms can result in Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer and can be diagnosed with an upper endoscopy. As the best-in-class NYC gastroenterologists, our top gerd doctors specialists provide highly personalized and comprehensive care. For more information about the GI conditions we treat, including Heartburn / GERD Treatment, or to schedule a consultation with one of our GI doctors, please contact our Union Square/Chelsea, Midtown, or Upper East Side NYC offices. Manhattan Gastroenterology Union Square 55 W. 17th St, Ste 102, New York, NY 10011 (212) 378-9983 Upper East Side 983 Park Ave, Ste 1D, New York, NY 10028 (212) 427-8761 Web Address https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com E-mail info@manhattangastroenterology.com Our locations on the map: Union Square https://goo.gl/maps/iyoSymzvWrhou8EG8 Upper East Side https://g.page/Gastroenterologist-NYC-New-York Nearby Locations: Union Square Gramercy Park | Rose Hill | Kips Bay | Nomad | Murray Hill | Koreatown 10010 | 10016 | 10453 | 10017 Nearby Locations: Upper East Side Yorkville | Manhattan Valley | Lenox Hill | Sutton Place | Carnegie Hill | East Harlem 10028 | 10025 | 10021| 10022 | 10029 Working Hours: (Union Square & Midtown) Monday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Wednesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Thursday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday:CLOSED Sunday:CLOSED Working Hours: (Upper East Side) Monday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: CLOSED Payment : cash, check, credit cards.