Partners in health
It's important to have a good partnership with your doctor so that you can work together to treat your acid reflux symptoms. The following tips may help when consulting your doctor:
- Communicate clearly—when telling your doctor about your heartburn, be as detailed and exact as possible (how often it occurs, what triggers it, etc.). This will help your doctor make an informed diagnosis
- Listen well—your doctor is also a source of useful information. Take an active role in your treatment and try to understand everything he or she is telling you
- Ask questions—if there is something you don't understand, ask your doctor to explain it again. To help you remember the information, repeat it back to your doctor
- Take responsibility—it's your body and it's important to participate in your ongoing health, whether that means remembering to take medication, following suggestions, or making lifestyle changes
- Work together—think of your doctor as your partner—together you'll create realistic health goals and develop a treatment plan that you can follow
- Stay in touch, even after your initial and follow-up visits. Keep your doctor informed of your progress and any changes, for better or worse, that you are experiencing.
If left untreated, acid reflux disease can get progressively worse. If you think you may have acid reflux disease, make an appointment with your doctor.
NextDoctor discussion guide >