Do you suffer from frequent heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or regurgitation after meals during your summer holidays?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) is a common discomfort that can significantly affect quality of life. For this reason, it is essential to take care of our stomach and prevent any discomfort that could hinder us from fully enjoying our family meals and our leisure time in the summer.
If you have been coping with heartburn and reflux for some time, taking medication without getting full relief or simply prefer to avoid long-term drug treatment, we have good news for you. But we need to take it one step at a time.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) occurs when stomach contents move up into the oesophagus, irritating the mucosa and causing uncomfortable symptoms. This is caused by the valve that separates the stomach from the oesophagus (the lower oesophageal sphincter) not closing properly.
Patients with GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) may have mild or more bothersome symptoms and may or may not have complications.
This variability depends on factors such as the duration of the GORD episodes, the volume and aggressiveness (increased or decreased acidity) of the refluxed substance, the contact time of this substance with the oesophagus, the sensitivity of each person to the acid stimulus, etc.
The most frequent symptoms are heartburn (a feeling of acidity or retrosternal burning), food regurgitation and chest pain; and, among the complications, the following stand out: erosive oesophagitis, oesophageal stenosis, Barrett’s oesophagus and laryngitis.
Poor diet, eating fast, improper chewing, overweight, pregnancy, and the taking of multiple medications are factors that can increase the risk of developing GORD.
It is important not to ignore certain signs. If you have any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist:
- Frequent heartburn (more than twice a week) that does not improve with antacids or medication
- Chest pain that intensifies after eating, when bending over or lying down.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Persistent sensation of a lump in the throat or throat clearing.
- Dry cough or hoarseness that cannot be attributed to colds or allergies.
- Frequent nausea or vomiting with acid content.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Nocturnal symptoms that disrupt sleep.
These signs may suggest chronic reflux or even complications such as erosive oesophagitis, oesophageal stricture or Barrett’s oesophagus, hence the advisability of a medical evaluation.
At HC Marbella we have incorporated an innovative technique that is already setting a milestone in the treatment of reflux: fundoplication with EsophyX-Z, a minimally invasive procedure, without external incisions, which allows reflux to be relieved effectively and with a much faster recovery than traditional surgery. This is a breakthrough in the approach to reflux treatment, and HC Marbella is the first hospital in Andalusia to offer this technique, which is only available in three other centres throughout Spain.
Enjoying the summer without burning and heaviness is possible. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for some time now, please do not wait for them to get worse. A timely diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference.
Ask for an assessment with our Digestive System Team at HC Marbella. We are here to help you.
Dr. Victor Aguilar
Specialist of the Gastroenterology
July 29, 2025
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