Skip to main content
Acid Reflux at Dr. Shawl's practice

Our services

Acid Reflux Specialist

It’s not unusual to experience indigestion every once in a while, especially after overeating. But if you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have a more chronic type of acid reflux. In addition to affecting your esophagus, acid reflux can also affect your throat and voice box. Board-certified otolaryngologist Matthew W. Shawl, MD, is an ENT specialist in New York City who can determine if your acid reflux is damaging your larynx or pharynx and provide the most appropriate treatment. For a consultation, call the Union Square office in Manhattan or request an appointment online.

Acid Reflux Q & A

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents of your stomach regurgitate up into your esophagus, which is a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the acidic contents of your stomach spill over into your throat, the condition is referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which may affect your larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat).

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

While you can suffer from both GERD and LPR at the same time, you may not experience the symptoms from both conditions. Common symptoms of acid reflux include:

  • Heartburn
  • Feeling as though you have something stuck in your throat
  • Bitter taste in the back of your mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness in your voice
  • Frequent need to clear your throat
  • Frequent coughing
  • Post-nasal drip

If your larynx is affected, you may also experience difficulty breathing.

If you experience any of these symptoms more than twice a week, you should contact Dr. Shawl for an evaluation. Without proper care, your acid reflux may cause permanent damage to your esophagus and throat, and increase your risk of esophageal or laryngeal cancer.

What can I expect during an evaluation for acid reflux?

You can expect compassionate and comprehensive care from Dr. Shawl when you come in for an evaluation for acid reflux. He practices traditional medicine and puts your health and needs above all else.

During the evaluation, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and evaluates your throat. To confirm or rule out acid reflux, he may request diagnostic testing such as an upper endoscopy, swallowing study, or pH probe.

What are the treatments for acid reflux?

Dr. Shawl develops a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your acid reflux. Initially, he may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Limiting your intake of fatty and spicy foods
  • Eating smaller more frequent meals
  • Losing weight
  • Not eating three hours before you go to bed
  • Omitting caffeine and alcohol from your diet

He may also suggest over-the-counter antacids or stomach-acid reducers.

If you fail to get relief from your symptoms with lifestyle changes, he may recommend prescription-strength medication.

In severe cases, Dr. Shawl may recommend surgery to tighten the muscles around the esophagus to prevent acid from refluxing.

Acid reflux can affect both your esophagus and throat. To get expert help for your acid reflux, call Matthew W. Shawl, MD, or request an appointment online today.

Questions about acid reflux?

Call the Union Square office in Manhattan. 853 Broadway, Suite 903, New York, NY 10003.

Call 212-787-6900

What we offer

Other services

Deviated Septum — treatment at Dr. Shawl's office

Deviated Septum

An estimated 80% of people have some degree of misalignment of their nasal septum, which is the bone and cartilage that separates your nasal passage. In severe cases, a deviated nasal septum can affect breathing. If you have a deviated septum that’s causing difficulties breathing through your nose, board-certified otolaryngologist and expert surgeon Matthew W. Shawl, MD, in New York City, can evaluate your nose and perform any necessary procedures to improve your alignment. To schedule a consultation, contact the Union Square office in Manhattan by phone or online today.

Rhinoplasty — treatment at Dr. Shawl's office

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most common surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States. Whether you’re seeking rhinoplasty to improve appearance or breathing, you want a skilled surgeon who can provide you with the best results. Experienced facial plastic surgeon, Matthew W. Shawl, MD, in New York City, has performed numerous rhinoplasty procedures throughout his career and can get the results you desire. To schedule a consultation, contact the Union Square office in Manhattan by phone or online today.

Sleep Apnea — treatment at Dr. Shawl's office

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common, yet scary condition, that affects your breathing while you sleep. While the causes of sleep apnea are multifactorial, your nightly breathing issues may be related to a condition that affects your ears, nose, or throat. Board-certified otolaryngologist Matthew W. Shawl, MD, in New York City specializes in the management of sleep apnea and can determine if your breathing issues are due to an underlying ear, nose, or throat issue. To schedule an appointment, call the Union Square office in Manhattan or book an appointment online today.

Voice Issues — treatment at Dr. Shawl's office

Voice Issues

As a singer, actor, teacher, or anyone with a high vocal demand, being able to project your voice is an important aspect of your livelihood. However, acid reflux, allergies, and post-nasal drip can cause voice issues that prevent you from giving your best performance. At his Union Square office in Manhattan, experienced otolaryngologist, Matthew W. Shawl, MD, regularly assists men and women experiencing voice issues. Call or use the online booking tool to request an appointment at the New York City office today.