Do you often feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating? Or do you sometimes taste something bitter or sour in your mouth? These could be signs of acid reflux — a common digestive issue affecting people of all ages.
Acid reflux might seem harmless at first, but if ignored for a long time, it can affect your quality of life. The good news is that with proper care and treatment, acid reflux can be managed effectively. That’s where a gastroenterology specialist dubai can help. These doctors are trained to treat issues related to the digestive system, including acid reflux and related conditions like GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
In this blog, we will explain what acid reflux is, its causes and symptoms, and how seeing a gastroenterology specialist can make a real difference.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into the food pipe (esophagus). This backflow irritates the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms like:
Heartburn (a burning pain in the chest)
Regurgitation (a sour or bitter taste in your mouth)
Trouble swallowing
Coughing or sore throat
Feeling of a lump in the throat
When acid reflux occurs regularly (more than twice a week), it may be diagnosed as GERD — a more serious form of the condition.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
There are many possible causes of acid reflux. Some of the most common include:
Weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES): The LES is a muscle ring that closes off the stomach from the esophagus. If it becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time, acid can leak upward.
Overeating or eating too quickly
Obesity
Eating spicy, fatty, or fried foods
Smoking
Drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks
Lying down right after eating
Pregnancy
Hiatal hernia (a condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm)
Sometimes, medications or stress can also contribute to acid reflux.
Why You Should Not Ignore Acid Reflux
Many people think of acid reflux as a minor problem. They take an antacid and move on. However, untreated acid reflux can lead to serious issues such as:
Esophagitis: Inflammation or damage to the lining of the esophagus
Strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus that makes swallowing difficult
Esophageal ulcers: Open sores that can cause pain and bleeding
Barrett’s esophagus: A condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer
That’s why it is important to seek medical help if acid reflux becomes frequent or affects your daily life.
How a Gastroenterology Specialist in Dubai Can Help
If you are struggling with acid reflux symptoms, visiting a gastroenterology specialist in Dubai is a wise decision. These experts specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders, including acid reflux and GERD.
Here’s how a specialist can help:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
Sometimes, symptoms of acid reflux can look like other problems such as ulcers, infections, or heart conditions. A gastroenterologist can run the right tests to confirm if acid reflux is the real cause.
Common tests may include:
Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is passed through your mouth to look inside the esophagus and stomach.
pH Monitoring: Measures the acid level in the esophagus over 24 hours.
Manometry: Measures how well your esophageal muscles are working.
X-rays or Barium Swallow Tests
With these tests, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and check how much damage, if any, has occurred.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
Every patient is different. What works for one person may not work for another. A gastroenterologist will create a treatment plan tailored to your condition and lifestyle.
Treatment options may include:
Medications:
Antacids (to neutralize stomach acid)
H2 blockers (reduce acid production)
Proton pump inhibitors (stronger acid reducers)
Lifestyle changes:
Avoid trigger foods
Lose excess weight
Elevate the head of your bed
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
Eat smaller meals
Surgery (in rare or severe cases)
A specialist can guide you through all these options and help you find the one that works best for you.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Acid reflux is a long-term condition. It requires regular monitoring, especially if you have GERD. A specialist will keep track of your progress and adjust treatment if needed.
They can also monitor for complications such as:
Changes in the esophageal lining (Barrett’s esophagus)
Damage that increases the risk of cancer
Long-term side effects of medications
With proper follow-up, you can stay on top of your condition and avoid serious problems in the future.
4. Expert Advice on Lifestyle and Diet
Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. But knowing which changes to make is not always easy.
A gastroenterologist can help you:
Identify foods that trigger your symptoms
Create a meal plan that supports your digestive health
Suggest healthy weight-loss strategies
Improve your eating habits (such as chewing slowly or not lying down after meals)
These small changes, when guided by an expert, can lead to major improvements in how you feel.
5. Advanced Treatments and Technology
Leading gastroenterology specialists in Dubai often work at advanced medical centers with access to modern diagnostic tools and minimally invasive procedures.
If medication and lifestyle changes don’t work, you may be a candidate for treatments such as:
LINX device: A small ring of magnetic beads that helps keep the LES closed
Fundoplication surgery: A procedure to strengthen the LES
Radiofrequency therapy: Tightens the LES using heat
These options are safe and effective when performed by experienced specialists.
When Should You See a Gastroenterology Specialist?
You should consider seeing a specialist if you:
Experience heartburn more than twice a week
Have trouble swallowing
Notice weight loss or loss of appetite
Wake up at night due to coughing or chest discomfort
Rely on antacids or acid blockers often
Have symptoms that affect your daily routine
Notice blood in vomit or stools
These are signs that your acid reflux may be more serious and needs expert care.
Final Thoughts
Acid reflux may be common, but it should never be ignored. With the help of a qualified gastroenterology specialist in Dubai, you can find lasting relief and protect your long-term health. From accurate diagnosis to personalized care plans and advanced treatments, these specialists can guide you through every step of your healing journey.
If you are searching for a compassionate and experienced doctor, Dr. Neil Philip Galletly is a trusted name in the field of digestive health in Dubai. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he helps people manage acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems effectively.
