Acid reflux and GERD — diagnosis and treatment in Dubai
Also known as: GERD, acid reflux, heartburn
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid regularly flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation and sometimes a cough or hoarseness. It is very common. Most people improve with weight loss, meal timing, PPIs and treating H. pylori where present. Alarm features need endoscopy.
- · Diagnosis is usually clinical — endoscopy is reserved for alarm features or refractory disease
- · Lifestyle change is genuinely effective — weight, meal timing, alcohol, smoking
- · PPIs work well but should be reviewed periodically, not taken indefinitely without review
- · H. pylori testing and treatment is important if ulcer disease is suspected
- · Alarm features (difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood, new reflux over 55) need urgent endoscopy
What gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is
GERD is when the lower oesophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to reflux into the oesophagus, causing symptoms or oesophageal damage.
How common it is
Around 10–20% of adults have weekly reflux symptoms; higher in populations with high BMI.
Main symptoms
- · Heartburn (burning behind the breastbone)
- · Regurgitation of acid or food
- · Chest discomfort after meals or lying down
- · Chronic cough or hoarseness
- · Nocturnal symptoms disturbing sleep
Less common symptoms
- · Wheeze or asthma-like symptoms
- · Dental erosion
- · Recurrent sore throat
Causes
- · Weakness of the lower oesophageal sphincter
- · Hiatus hernia
- · Overweight and pregnancy
- · Trigger foods (spicy, fatty, chocolate, caffeine)
- · Alcohol and smoking
- · Some medications
Risk factors
- · Overweight
- · Pregnancy
- · Smoking
- · Family history
- · Certain medicines (calcium-channel blockers, some anti-inflammatories)
Possible complications
- · Oesophagitis
- · Oesophageal stricture
- · Barrett's oesophagus
- · Very rarely, oesophageal cancer
How this condition is diagnosed
- · Clinical diagnosis based on typical symptoms and treatment response
- · H. pylori testing (breath or stool)
- · Endoscopy for alarm features, refractory symptoms or those aged over 55 with new symptoms
- · 24-hour pH studies in selected cases
Questions your doctor may ask
- · Nature and timing of symptoms — related to meals or lying down?
- · Any difficulty or pain on swallowing?
- · Weight loss or vomiting?
- · Diet, alcohol, smoking?
- · Medications including anti-inflammatories?
Examination
- · Abdominal examination
- · Weight and BMI
- · Assess for anaemia if bleeding suspected
Blood tests
- · Full blood count if bleeding suspected
- · H. pylori serology or stool antigen
Other tests
- · Upper GI endoscopy for alarm features
- · Urea breath test for H. pylori confirmation
When specialist referral may be needed
- · Difficulty or pain on swallowing (dysphagia) — urgent 2-week referral pathway
- · Unintentional weight loss
- · Vomiting blood or coffee-ground vomit
- · New reflux over age 55 with alarm features
- · Symptoms not responding to 8 weeks of full-dose PPI
Treatment
Overview
- · Lifestyle change — weight, meal timing, avoid trigger foods, raise the head of the bed
- · Antacids and alginates for on-demand relief
- · PPI for 4–8 weeks, then step down to lowest effective dose
- · Treat H. pylori if positive
- · Surgery in selected refractory cases
Medicines
- · PPIs (omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole) are first-line
- · H2 receptor blockers are an option
- · Long-term PPI use is generally safe but should be reviewed periodically
- · Alginates (Gaviscon-type) help physical reflux barrier
Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine without first discussing it with your clinician.
Lifestyle support
- · Eat 3 hours before lying down
- · Weight loss for those overweight
- · Smaller meals, avoid known trigger foods
- · Stop smoking, reduce alcohol
- · Raise the head of the bed by 15–20 cm
Monitoring and follow-up
- · Review after 4–8 weeks of PPI
- · Annual review of PPI need
- · Prompt review of any alarm features
Prevention and risk reduction
- · Maintain a healthy weight
- · Avoid late heavy meals
- · Limit alcohol and smoking
When to seek urgent help
- · Vomiting blood or passing black tarry stools — attend A&E
- · Severe chest pain — call 998 to exclude cardiac cause
- · Sudden severe difficulty swallowing
Dubai emergency services: 998. Attend the nearest emergency department for red flags.
How Aafiyah can help
Your options
- · GP consultation with structured lifestyle plan
- · H. pylori testing
- · PPI prescription and step-down management
- · Endoscopy referral when alarm features are present
When a GP appointment is right
- · Frequent reflux symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
- · PPI review or step-down plan
- · New symptoms with any alarm features
When a home doctor visit may suit
- · Home doctor visit is suitable for lifestyle-based cases
- · Home phlebotomy for H. pylori and blood testing
Related pages
Related symptoms
Related tests
Related conditions
Dubai and UAE context
Reflux is very common in Dubai due to late dining culture and higher BMIs. Simple lifestyle changes plus GP-led PPI review are often transformative.
Frequently asked questions
Are PPIs safe long-term?+
PPIs are effective and generally safe, but should be reviewed periodically — the goal is the lowest effective dose or on-demand use where possible.
Do I need an endoscopy?+
Not usually — endoscopy is reserved for alarm features (swallowing problems, weight loss, bleeding, new reflux over 55) or symptoms that don't respond to full treatment.
Will losing weight help?+
Yes — weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for reflux in people with a raised BMI.
References
- · NICE CG184 — Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults
- · BSG guidance on H. pylori and reflux
- · NHS — Heartburn and acid reflux
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahbaz Afzal, MBBS MRCGP — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, Aafiyah Care Clinic.
Reviewed 2026-07-01. Next review due 2027-01-01.
This page is general information for adults living in or visiting Dubai. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a personal medical consultation. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice.
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