Acid Reflux Treatment
in NYC
If you’re experiencing frequent discomfort in your chest or throat after meals, our NYC clinic offers dedicated care for acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter. This backward flow can irritate the lining of your esophagus and lead to repeated episodes of discomfort.
Our Manhattan and Forest Hills locations offer walk-in visits, telemedicine consults, and same-day appointments, making it easier to get evaluated quickly. Whether you’re dealing with occasional acid reflux after a large meal or suspect something more chronic, our primary care team, led by Dr. Syra Hanif, is here to help.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is typically caused by the weakening or improper relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows stomach contents to rise into the esophagus. Common causes include:
Eating Large or
Fatty Meals
Lying Down Soon
after Eating
Hiatal Hernia
Smoking
Lifestyle choices play a major role in triggering acid reflux episodes. Addressing these habits is often the first step in
reducing symptoms.
Heartburn
The Main Symptom
Heartburn is the burning sensation in your chest that often signals acid reflux. It’s the most recognized symptom, described as a sharp, burning pain behind the breastbone that can worsen after eating or when lying down.
Other heartburn-related symptoms can include:
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Pain that worsens at night
- Sensation of food coming back up
Heartburn affects up to 20% of adults weekly in the US. While occasional heartburn can be normal, frequent symptoms can indicate an underlying problem needing medical care.
Understanding GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
When acid reflux becomes frequent or severe, it may develop into GERD. GERD is a chronic condition diagnosed when acid reflux occurs at least twice weekly or causes damage to the esophagus.
GERD symptoms include:
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Chest pain that mimics heart problems
GERD is not just uncomfortable—it can cause long-term complications such as esophagitis, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous change), or even elevate cancer risk over time.
How Is Acid Reflux
Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis of acid reflux and GERD is essential. At our NYC clinic, your primary care physician will:
- Review your medical history
- Ask about symptoms and frequency
- Perform a physical exam
- Order or refer for tests if needed
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Upper endoscopy to view esophageal lining
- Ambulatory pH monitoring to measure acid levels
- Esophageal manometry to assess muscle function
These tools help confirm GERD and rule out other causes of chest pain or swallowing problems.
Acid Reflux Treatments
in NYC
Treatment depends on the severity of your acid reflux or GERD. Our clinic offers:
Lifestyle counseling
(Smaller Meals, Weight Management, Quitting Smoking)
Dietary guidance
(Avoiding Spicy, Fatty, Or Acidic Foods)
Medication management:
Antacids
H2 Blockers
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)
Referral to specialists
for advanced care or surgical options if needed
Our approach is to create a personalized plan so you can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
When to See a Heartburn
Doctor in NYC
You should schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Heartburn more than twice a week
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent chest pain
- Vomiting blood or black stools
Our NYC locations make it easy with walk-in hours, same-day appointments, and telemedicine options. We also accept insurance and offer self-pay options to keep care accessible.
Meet Your Acid Reflux
Specialist
Dr. Syra Hanif leads our primary care team in Manhattan and Forest Hills. As your acid reflux doctor, she offers expert evaluation and a caring approach. Whether you need a heartburn specialist or a GERD specialist in NYC, you’ll get clear answers and practical solutions.
Why Choose Us?
Walk-in evaluations
without long waits
Telemedicine Consults
for convenience
Same-day appointments
available
Insurance
accepted
Self-Pay Options
for those without insurance
Comprehensive Care
with referrals to gastroenterologists or surgeons as needed
We’re here to help you get relief and prevent long-term damage.
If you’re looking for a heartburn doctor near me, an acid reflux specialist, or the best doctor for acid reflux in NYC, our clinic is ready to help. Schedule your same-day appointment today and start feeling better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does heartburn last?
Heartburn can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on triggers and severity. If it’s persistent or frequent, it may signal GERD and warrant medical evaluation.
Why does water give me heartburn?
Drinking large amounts quickly can distend the stomach, relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, if you drink water with meals, it can increase the volume in your stomach, promoting reflux.
Can stress cause heartburn?
Yes. Stress doesn’t directly increase stomach acid but can affect digestion and make you more sensitive to acid reflux.
Can you die from acid reflux in your sleep?
It’s rare, but severe reflux can lead to aspiration of stomach contents, which can cause choking or pneumonia, especially in people with certain medical conditions. Proper management reduces this risk.
How to get rid of acid reflux?
Lifestyle changes (smaller meals, weight loss, avoiding triggers), medications (antacids, PPIs), and sometimes surgery for severe GERD.
Does milk help acid reflux?
Milk may temporarily soothe heartburn for some people, but high-fat content can actually trigger reflux later.
Can acid reflux cause nausea?
Yes, especially if acid irritates the esophagus or if there’s delayed stomach emptying.
Can acid reflux cause shortness of breath?
Yes. Acid can trigger coughing, wheezing, or even asthma-like symptoms if it reaches the airways.
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