Which doctor? I asked this in Health and got no answers!?

Question

I believe my daughter who is 9 may be suffering from Acid Reflux. She keeps saying her throat burns but when I ask her where she points at the bottom part of her throat. Should I go to a pediatrician or make her an appt with an ENT doc. I have good insurance, and don't need a referral to see an ENT.

10 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.

Answer 1

The pediatrician is good they can give you meds to try and then if need be send you on to another doc which is a 2nd visit.  The ENT can do the same as the pediatrician and sometimes save the 2nd visit but if it is truelly acid reflux maybe you want to check in your area for a gastologist and get an appointment with them.  Some 9 year olds have acid reflux AND an ulcer and this doc can diagnos and treat both of them and save you extra trips in the future.

Answer 2

She could have a hiatus hernia, where part of the stomach comes up under her diaphram and the acid gets squeezed up into her throat. She should be referred by the Pediatrician or General Practitioner for a barium swallow test where they take a look at what's going on inside her esophagus ot "throat".

Answer 3

pediatric gastroenterologist? How long has she had this? I mean if only for the last day or two I would wait to see if she has flu coming on .....but if for weeks then yes start even with your pediatrician. Sounds low for ENT but who knows. Best thing if she has had this for a while is to start

Answer 4

Have a ENT look at her since the peditrician will more than likely transfer her there anyway.  It will save you a visit.  Good luck though.

Answer 5

I would see her regular doctor first

Answer 6

Your primary doctor is more of an expensive triage nurse than anything else, but at least he will have connections to other doctors specializing in whatever is wrong.  

Go to the ped first and get his input.

Answer 7

I would take her to the ENT if you do not need a referral.  If they are not able to help you, they will send you to someone else but that would be the best place to start.

Answer 8

It sounds like reflux, in which case you need a gastroenterologist, not an ENT.  I'd start with her regular doctor and let her decide where the problem is most likely to be.

Answer 9

It doesn't sound like an ENT problem.  I'd see your pediatrician first, since it doesn't usually take long to get in and they will know which specialist is most appropriate.

She/he will advise you on which specialist you should see, if you need to see one.   It's possible that you'll be referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Answer 10

For me I would just go with the ENT to save time and energy.  Ask around and see if anyone you know has someone they would recommend.

Answer 11

i'd see your regular doctor too there are alot of medications that can be used for acid reflux even in children and over the counter.. and he's going to start that and see what works.. i wouldn't spend extra money to see the ent just yet... if it can't be controlled my medication first then thats the next step

Answer 12

sounds like part of acid reflux.. personally I always take my child to the pediatrician first... just because he is such a great doctor!

Answer 13

I'd start with the pediatrician myself.  If it's something like acid reflux they should be able to advise you how to further proceed.

Answer 14

I would start with the pediatrician.  They may recommend that your go to an ENT.  Many times ENT want info from the pediatrician to help them so it wouldn't hurt to talk to her pediatirican first.

Answer 15

Coming from personal expeirence, I would say take her to your pediatrician.  My daughter had this problem when she was younger, about your daughters age.  My pediatrician gave me so much info on it, like what foods to cut out and how to keep a food diary and note when the symptoms started because of the food.  She prescribed her some medication for heartburn and it worked very well.  If your pediatrician doesn't think he/she could handle it, then they will refer you to someone else.  Good luck.