If you have acid reflux every once in a while, you’re not alone. More than 60 million Americans experience the unpleasantness at least once a month. That burning sensation in the chest or throat can be uncomfortable, but it often passes and isn’t much cause for alarm. However, if you are among the estimated 1 in 5 people in the U.S. who experience more frequent acid reflux (also known as heartburn, acid regurgitation, or gastroesophageal reflux) and have tackled it on your own without relief, you may be wondering what to do next.

Figuring out when your symptoms might be enough to talk to your doctor about can help you get the right care and avoid problems. We asked family medicine physician Drew McBrayer, M.D., of Texas Health Family Care, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice in Grapevine, to weigh in on when it’s time to talk to a primary care physician about acid reflux symptoms. First, he provides insights into what acid reflux is.

“Acid reflux occurs when the contents from your stomach rise up your digestive tract into your esophagus,” McBrayer explains. “It often happens after eating or when laying down. The problem occurs when the muscle that normally keeps your stomach tightly closed relaxes. As a result, acid from your stomach is able to back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest around the heart area — thus, the common reference to heartburn.”

When (and How) to Discuss Your Symptoms

McBrayer says it’s important to see your doctor right away if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing (a feeling that food is trapped in your throat or chest and won’t go down)
• Heartburn more than twice a week or heartburn that persists after taking over-the-counter medications
• Heartburn that gets worse with exertion
• Symptoms that last for more than two weeks
• Throat or esophageal pain
• Vomiting of blood or black bowel movements
• Unexplained weight loss or decrease in appetite

When you seek medical care, you’ll want to give your doctor some context about your symptoms. This will help guide them in providing the right testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

McBrayer suggests noting things like:

• When you have symptoms: Is it always at bedtime, or after meals or your morning coffee? Many people get acid reflux after eating a large meal.
• Frequency of symptoms: How often you experience symptoms is an important piece of the puzzle.
• Symptom severity: Heartburn tends to feel like a burning pain in your chest behind your breastbone.
• What treatments you have tried: Make sure to mention other medications or supplements you take. Some medications can make acid reflux or heartburn worse.
• Any other symptoms you’re having: Other symptoms of acid reflux can include:
• a bitter taste in your mouth
• the feeling of burning at the back of your throat
• recurring hiccups
• a hoarse voice
• bad breath
• frequent coughing
• How symptoms affect your daily living: If you have difficulties sleeping, swallowing food, or with everyday activities, make sure to tell your doctor.

Why a Doctor’s Care is Important

If you experience recurrent acid reflux, you may have a more severe condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease occurs when the esophageal lining becomes irritated or inflamed.

With GERD, the frequency or severity of acid reflux can cause ulcers of the esophagus. Over time, chronic GERD can lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus and a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a response aimed at preventing further irritation but is also a pre-cancerous stage. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, this condition can develop into esophageal cancer.

If you experience frequent acid reflux, your primary care doctor will likely recommend changes to your daily habits, like avoiding alcohol, coffee, and large or fatty meals. “If symptoms persist, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist who can perform an upper endoscopy to further evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate medication therapy for you,” McBrayer adds.

Are you at risk for acid reflux disease? Take our quick online acid reflux assessment. To find a primary care doctor near you, visit TexasHealth.org.  

Providers employed by Texas Health Physicians Group are not employees or agents of Texas Health Resources hospitals. © 2025 Texas Health Resources.