GERD is a chronic condition, but in many cases it can be controlled very effectively. Some people improve through lifestyle changes alone, while others may need medication or procedures. Complete cure depends on the underlying cause — for example, losing weight can significantly reduce symptoms in obesity, and surgical correction of a hiatal hernia may resolve reflux.

What should you do during an acid reflux attack?

Sit upright and avoid lying down, take slow deep breaths, drink a small amount of water, avoid bending forward, loosen tight clothing, and use prescribed antacids if recommended by your doctor. Seek emergency care for severe chest pain that moves down the arm with sweating and shortness of breath, as not all chest pain is reflux.

GERD / Acid Reflux Treatment In Dubai

Q: How long does acid reflux last?

Mild acid reflux can last from a few minutes to two hours and often occurs after heavy meals. Chronic GERD symptoms may persist daily if untreated. If symptoms last more than two weeks or worsen over time, medical evaluation is necessary, as persistent acid exposure can lead to complications such as ulcers or Barrett's oesophagus.

Q: When should you see a GERD specialist in Dubai?

Consult a specialist if you experience symptoms more than twice weekly, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, or symptoms that continue despite over-the-counter medication. Early intervention makes treatment easier and more effective.

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Dealing with a constant burning feeling in your chest can wear you out. It can disrupt your sleep, eating habits, mood, and daily life. At first, many people brush it off, thinking it’s just spicy food or stress. But if the symptoms keep coming back, it could be more than just heartburn.

Dr. Ahmed Hassn is a pioneer in stomach and esophageal surgery and has been doing anti reflux surgery for more than two decades. Before moving to Dubai, he has taught many surgeons in the UK the proper techniques of performing laparoscopic and robotic anti reflux surgery. Dr Hassn has performed more than 1150 anti reflux surgery with excellent outcomes where 97% of patients were cured from reflux for at least 10 years. With the right support, acid reflux can often be managed well, so you don’t have to live with ongoing discomfort.

What is GERD?

GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe (esophagus).

Occasional reflux is common. Studies show that nearly 20% of adults experience reflux symptoms weekly. However, when symptoms occur two or more times per week, or begin damaging the esophagus, it is considered GERD.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus. When this valve weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, acid escapes upward, causing irritation.

Common symptoms of GERD

Symptoms vary from person to person.

The most common include:

Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Regurgitation of food or liquid
Chronic cough
Hoarseness or throat irritation
Difficulty swallowing
Bloating after meals.
Chalking during sleep.

Some people have silent reflux, which means they get throat symptoms even if they don’t feel heartburn.

Acid Reflux vs Heartburn

Many people use these terms interchangeably. They are related but not identical.

Aspect	Acid Reflux	Heartburn
Definition	The backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus	The burning sensation caused by acid reflux
Nature	A physical process	A symptom
Location	Esophagus	Chest, behind breastbone
Frequency	Can happen occasionally or frequently	Occurs during reflux episodes
Severity	May lead to GERD if chronic	Ranges from mild to severe

In simple terms, acid reflux is the cause. Heartburn is the feeling it creates.

How long does acid reflux last?

Mild acid reflux can last from a few minutes to two hours. It often occurs after heavy meals.

Chronic GERD symptoms may persist daily if untreated. Some people experience nighttime reflux that disturbs sleep for hours.

If symptoms last more than two weeks or worsen over time, medical evaluation is necessary. Persistent acid exposure can lead to complications such as ulcers or Barrett’s esophagus.

What to do during an acid reflux attack?

An acid reflux attack can be very uncomfortable and even feel overwhelming.

Here is what you can do immediately:

Sit upright. Do not lie down.
Take slow, deep breaths.
Drink a small amount of water.
Avoid bending forward.
Loosen tight clothing.
Use prescribed antacids if recommended by your doctor.

However, you must seek emergency care if you face severe chest pain that moves down the arm, and is followed by sweating and shortness of breath. Not all chest pain is reflux.

Foods to avoid with acid reflux

Avoid or limit:

Spicy foods
Fried and fatty meals
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces
Chocolate
Caffeine
Carbonated drinks
Mint
Alcohol
Onions and garlic (in excess)

Instead, choose:

Oatmeal
Bananas
Lean proteins
Steamed vegetables
Whole grains

Keeping a food diary helps identify personal triggers.

Is GERD curable?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask.

GERD is a chronic condition. In many cases, it can be controlled very effectively. Some people get cured just by changing their habits. Others may need medicine or procedures.

Complete cure depends on the underlying cause.

For example:

In case of obesity, losing weight can significantly lessen symptoms.
If a hiatal hernia is present, surgical correction may resolve reflux.

The key is proper diagnosis and individualized treatment. With expert care, most patients experience significant improvement.

How to cure GERD permanently?

While the word “permanent” depends on individual factors, long-term control is achievable. Dr. Ahmed Hassn focuses on addressing the root cause rather than only suppressing symptoms.

Steps toward lasting relief include:

1. Lifestyle modifications

Maintain healthy weight
Eat smaller meals
Avoid late-night eating
Elevate head during sleep
Quit smoking

Even a 10% reduction in body weight can reduce reflux symptoms to a great extent.

2. Medical management

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers reduce acid production. These medications are effective in healing esophageal inflammation. They are usually prescribed for a specific duration under medical supervision.

3. Advanced diagnostic evaluation

If symptoms persist, further tests may be advised:

Upper endoscopy
pH monitoring
Esophageal manometry

These tests show exactly what’s causing your symptoms and how serious they are.

4. Minimally invasive procedures

For selected patients, surgical or endoscopic procedures can strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. This may provide long-term resolution of symptoms without lifelong medication.

Every patient is different. A personalized plan ensures the best outcome.

Acid Reflux treatment in Dubai - What to expect?

Seeking professional acid reflux treatment in Dubai ensures structured and evidence-based care.

With Dr. Ahmed Hassn, the process typically includes:

Detailed symptom discussion
Medical history review
Physical examination
Targeted investigations
Tailored treatment plan

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It focuses on symptom relief, healing of the esophagus, and prevention of complications.

Possible complications of untreated GERD

Ignoring chronic reflux can lead to:

Esophagitis (inflammation)
Ulcers
Narrowing of the esophagus
Chronic cough or asthma worsening
Barrett’s esophagus
Increased risk of esophageal cancer

Early treatment reduces these risks significantly.

When should you see a GERD specialist in Dubai?

Consult a specialist if you experience:

Symptoms more than twice weekly
Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent vomiting
Blood in vomit or stool
Symptoms despite over-the-counter medication
Intermittent coughing or chalking at night or after eating.

Early intervention makes treatment easier and more effective.

Why choose Dr. Ahmed Hassn?

Dr. Ahmed Hassn is a dedicated GERD specialist in Dubai known for his patient-centered approach. He believes in listening carefully and explaining conditions clearly.

His treatment plans are practical and realistic. He focuses on long-term relief, not temporary suppression of symptoms.

Patients appreciate his clear guidance on diet, lifestyle, and medication use. His goal is simple: help you live without the daily discomfort of reflux.

Pioneer in stomach and esophageal surgery Performed more than 1150 laparoscopic anti reflux surgery with 97% permanent cure of reflux.
Taught his refined techniques to numerous surgeons in the UK and worldwide.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed regularly receives referrals from other surgeons for complex cases and for patients who have recurrent reflux or developed complications after previous surgery.
Dr Hassn published his results for redo anti reflux surgery after failed previous surgery.

Take control of your digestive health with effective acid reflux treatment in Dubai at Dr. Ahmed Hassn’s

Get lasting relief and improve your digestive health with expert care from Dr. Ahmed Hassn. If reflux or heartburn keeps bothering you, don’t ignore it.

Remember, finding out what’s wrong early leads to better results.

With personalized and effective acid reflux treatment from a top specialist, you can ease your symptoms, avoid complications, and feel comfortable again.

Book your consultation today and take the next step with confidence, guided by Dr. Ahmed Hassn’s expertise.