Dr Durayd Alzoubaidi, consultant gastroenterologist and GI endoscopist, shared with us facts on the effects of acid reflux, investigations, and treatments.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is the most common presentation in the Gastroenterology clinic.
- Excessive acid reflux can cause inflammation in the stomach and the food pipe (Oesophagus).
- Excessive acid reflux can result into a cough, bad breath, damage to teeth and change in voice.
- If left untreated, it can also cause severe inflammation resulting into severe pain and stricturing disease in the food pipe resulting into difficulty and pain with swallowing.
- Prolonged exposure to acid reflux in the food pipe can cause Barrett’s Oesophagus which is a pre-cancerous change in the food pipe.
- Up to 15 % of people with acid reflux, have Barrett’s Oesophagus.
- Barrett’s Oesophagus is detected by performing an Endoscopy (Camera test into the food pipe and stomach) and therefore early diagnosis is important.
- Treatment of early Barrett’s Oesophagus (with medication) is important in order to prevent progression into cancer.
- Early food pipe cancer can be successfully treated with endoscopic therapy.
- Patient consultation in a specialist gastroenterology clinic is important for appropriate. understanding of reflux disease, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of future complications.
Dr Durayd Alzoubaidi has expertise in gastroenterology and endoscopy. He was trained at Barts and the London school of medicine and completed his gastroenterology training in Cambridge and London. He sees patients at the Royal Free Hospital and Hadley Wood Hospital.
