Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition which happens when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. Many people manage it with medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). But what if these stops working?
Depending on the severity of your GERD, you may continue to experience symptoms despite taking medication. Or, you find that your condition worsens over time.
When this happens, it cannot only be frustrating. It can also be worrying and you may wonder if there are other solutions.
This is where seeing a GERD doctor in Singapore comes in. When seeing a GERD doctor, they will not blindly recommend random medications.
For a lasting solution, a good GERD doctor will want to get to the root cause of your reflux. It is only after a conclusive diagnosis that they will offer tailored treatments that can provide long-term relief.
In this article, we’ll explain why GERD medications sometimes fail and what doctors can do to help. Keep reading!
Why is my GERD Medication not Working?
GERD medications are designed to reduce stomach acid. However, they do not always provide complete relief which explains the frequently asked question; why is my GERD medication not working? Here are some reasons why they might not work for you:
- Tolerance to Medications: Over time, your body may become less responsive to acid-reducing drugs. PPIs, in particular, may lose their effectiveness when taken for long periods.
- Incorrect Diagnosis: Some conditions, like bile reflux or esophageal motility disorders, mimic GERD. If medications aren’t helping, you may need a new diagnosis.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and certain foods can trigger GERD. If these are not managed, medications may not work effectively.
- Underlying Complications: Chronic acid reflux can lead to esophageal damage, ulcers, or a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. These issues may require more than just medication.
- Incorrect Administration of Medication: Incorrect medication use can reduce GERD treatment effectiveness. PPIs for example, work best 30–60 minutes before meals and must be taken consistently. Drug interactions, improper dosages, or taking them only when symptoms arise can limit their impact.
When to See a GERD Specialist
If GERD drugs aren’t providing relief, it’s time to consult a specialist. You do not want to ignore persistent reflux as this can lead to severe complications.
A GERD doctor can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action. Here are signs you need a specialist:
- GERD symptoms lasting more than 8 weeks despite medication.
- Worsening symptoms like severe heartburn, pain, or burning in the chest.
- Recurrent regurgitation causing weight loss or difficulty eating.
- Persistent cough, sore throat, or asthma-like symptoms due to acid reaching the airways.
- Suspected complications like Barrett’s esophagus, ulcers, or strictures (narrowing of the esophagus).
When seeing a GERD doctor for these symptoms, they can run tests to confirm if your symptoms are due to GERD or another condition. From there they can advice accordingly or decide to put you on an appropriate treatment plan for the best outcomes.
So, a GERD doctor does more than prescribe medication. They identify what’s causing your reflux and provide a tailored treatment plan. Here’s what you can typically expect from a good GERD doctor;
- Comprehensive Diagnosis: Your GERD doctor may perform tests like an endoscopy to assess esophageal damage. Alternatively, they may order a pH test to measure acid levels. These tests help confirm GERD and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, a good GERD doctor will tailor treatments based on your individual triggers and symptom severity. This ensures more effective and long-lasting relief.
- Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments: Managing GERD often involves avoiding trigger foods. You may also want to start eating smaller meals, and improving your sleep posture. These changes can significantly reduce acid reflux episodes.
- Alternative Therapies: Some specialists also explore non-drug treatments like acupuncture, breathing exercises, or gut-friendly diets. These approaches may complement traditional treatments for better symptom control.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: When medication fails, your GERD doctor may recommend options like Stretta therapy to strengthen esophageal muscles. Used correctly, these procedures can provide long-term relief without major surgery.
What will Happen if I Ignore GERD When Medications Don’t Seem to Work?
Trying to treat a condition that doesn’t seem to improve can be discouraging. So, it is understandable if you just want to ignore GERD if the medications you’ve tried aren’t working.
However, this isn’t a good decision. Ignoring persistent GERD symptoms can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Chronic acid reflux damages the esophagus over time, and this increases the risk of severe conditions that may require medical intervention.
One major concern is esophageal strictures, where prolonged acid exposure causes scarring and narrowing of the esophagus. This makes swallowing difficult and can lead to food getting stuck, and increasing the risk of choking.
Another risk is esophageal ulcers. These are essentially painful open sores in the esophageal lining that can cause bleeding, discomfort, and difficulty eating.
In more severe cases, long-term acid exposure may lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the esophageal lining changes. Having Barrett’s esophagus significantly increases your risks of getting esophageal cancer.
Beyond these physical complications, untreated GERD can disrupt your daily life in various ways. For example, persistent acid reflux often leads to poor sleep, as symptoms tend to worsen when lying down.
It can also cause chronic coughing, hoarseness, or even asthma-like symptoms due to acid irritating the throat and airways. But it doesn’t end there.
The discomfort associated with eating can make meals less enjoyable, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. Over time, the stress of dealing with ongoing symptoms can negatively affect your mental health, contributing to anxiety, irritability, and reduced quality of life.
Seeking help from a GERD doctor early can prevent these complications and improve your overall well-being. With early diagnosis and personalized treatment, you have the best chances of ensuring that acid reflux is managed effectively before it leads to irreversible damage.
In Closing
If medications aren’t working, don’t wait for GERD to get worse. A GERD doctor can help you find a solution tailored to your needs.
That said, you don’t have to live with constant discomfort. Seek professional help to restore your quality of life.
If you’re struggling with GERD, book an appointment with a specialist today. If you’re in Singapore, get in touch with a GERD doctor below to schedule your appointment;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
Phone: +65 6355 5773
