Over 30% UAE residents have acid reflux; untreated cases may lead to cancer, say doctors

Khaleej Times

20-05-2025

More than 30 per cent of UAE residents suffer from acid reflux, a common digestive issue that can progress to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). However, this common issue risks developing into something more serious and regular check-ups and timely intervention are crucial.
Doctors in the UAE are raising awareness about the condition, especially for patients with persistent or long-standing reflux. While often manageable, GERD carries the risk of developing into Barrett's oesophagus — a condition linked to an increased chance of oesophageal cancer.
Michael Anthony John Caselberg, a 53-year-old British man, sought medical help after experiencing altered bowel habits, chest discomfort, and severe acid reflux. His diagnosis was serious and complex: moderate inflammation of the oesophagus caused by acid reflux (Grade B Reflux Esophagitis), a large hiatus hernia, Barrett's oesophagus, erosive gastroduodenitis, and multiple colonic polyps.
"These conditions are rare and can lead to serious complications, especially the potential for cancer in the case of Barrett's oesophagus,' his attending doctor noted.
Large hiatus hernias, like the one Caselberg has, occur in less than five per cent of hernia cases. Meanwhile, Barrett's oesophagus is found in about 1–2 per cent of people with chronic GERD.
Medical experts weigh in
Dr Sandeep Patil, specialist general surgery at Aster Cedars Hospital and Clinic in Jebel Ali, emphasised the benefits of surgical treatment.
'Laparoscopic fundoplication is a highly effective and minimally invasive technique for addressing large hiatus hernias and severe acid reflux. The procedure's high success rate globally — ranging from 90–95 per cent — is a testament to its effectiveness.'
Explaining how GERD leads to Barrett's oesophagus, Dr Akhilesh Sapra, specialist gastrointestinal surgeon at Prime Hospital, said, 'GERD is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile flows back (refluxes) into the oesophagus, irritating its lining. This backward flow occurs due to weakness or relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) — a muscular valve that normally keeps stomach contents from coming back up.'
He explained how the body reacts to this damage over time.
'Chronic GERD means that stomach acid keeps coming up into the oesophagus over a long time. This acid irritates and damages the lining of the oesophagus. To protect itself, the body changes the normal cells in that area into a different type—ones that can handle the acid better. This change in the cells is called Barrett's oesophagus. While it's the body's way of coping, these new cells are not normal for the oesophagus and can sometimes turn into cancer over time.'
Early detection is key
Dr Najeeb Salah Abdulrahman, Specialist Gastroenterologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, emphasised the importance of vigilance.
'What's crucial is early detection and regular surveillance. If caught early, treatment options like endoscopic ablation can prevent progression to cancer. Patients should also focus on long-term GERD management through lifestyle modifications, acid suppression therapy, and avoiding smoking or obesity — all of which are known risk factors.'
He warned that symptoms aren't always obvious. 'Many patients may not have noticeable symptoms, which is why individuals with long-standing GERD (especially more than five years) should undergo screening endoscopy.'
Understanding the cancer risk
Dr Mahroos Al Rejjal, Specialist Gastroenterology at Saudi German Hospital in Ajman, provided some perspective on the cancer risk:
'The cancer risk for patients with no dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus was approximately 0.5 per cent per year. However, more recent studies suggested that the cancer risk for such patients is even lower, in the range of only 0.12 per cent to 0.33 per cent per year.'
Still, doctors agree that regular check-ups and timely intervention are crucial to reducing risk and improving patient outcomes.
Common warning signs include persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, a sensation of food sticking in the chest, and chronic cough or hoarseness — though not everyone experiences symptoms.