Acid reflux and heartburn (GERD)
Almost everyone knows occasional heartburn, but if it keeps coming back, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At Proctocare in Bratislava it is diagnosed and treated by a team led by MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský. You can have a gastroscopy usually within a few days, no referral needed.
- Gastroscopy usually within a few days, with the option of sedation
- Lead specialist for gastroenterology MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský
- MUDr. Petronela Záhorcová specializes in functional gastroenterology within the team
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
Gastroesophageal reflux disease develops when acidic stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus and irritate its lining. Occasional reflux after a heavy meal is common and harmless. But if the symptoms appear several times a week, wake you at night or reduce your quality of life, we speak of reflux disease (GERD), which requires examination and treatment.
Long-term untreated reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to inflammation, narrowing or so-called Barrett’s esophagus – a change in the lining that is considered a risk condition and requires regular endoscopic monitoring. That is another reason why it pays to address reflux early rather than mask it for years with over-the-counter medication.
Symptoms of reflux
Reflux does not manifest only as heartburn – some patients have only extraesophageal symptoms.
- Heartburn – a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after meals, when lying down or bending forward
- Regurgitation – acidic or bitter contents coming back up into the mouth
- Chronic cough, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing or a feeling of mucus in the throat
- Pressure or an unpleasant sensation behind the breastbone
- Belching, a feeling of fullness and bloating after meals
- Night-time complaints that disturb sleep
A chronic cough or hoarseness without heartburn may be the only manifestation of reflux – that is when it is easily overlooked.
Causes and risk factors
- A weakened lower esophageal sphincter that does not close the passage between the esophagus and the stomach sufficiently
- Overweight and obesity, pregnancy
- Smoking and alcohol
- Large portions of food late in the evening, fatty and spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks
- Certain medications that reduce the tone of the esophageal sphincter
Diagnosis of reflux at Proctocare
The basis is gastroscopy – an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in which we assess the condition of the lining, rule out ulcers or Barrett’s esophagus and, if necessary, take samples for histology. At Proctocare you can usually have it within a few days, under sedation on request. You can read more about the procedure on the gastroscopy page.
If the gastroscopy findings are normal but the complaints persist, functional GI diagnostics help – pH-metry (measuring acidity in the esophagus over 24 hours) and manometry (measuring pressures and motility of the esophagus). Within our team, MUDr. Petronela Záhorcová specializes in functional gastroenterology. Everything starts with a gastroenterology examination, at which we suggest an approach tailored precisely to your complaints.
Treatment of reflux at our center
We combine lifestyle measures and medication – always according to the severity of the findings.
Lifestyle measures
Smaller portions, not eating 2–3 hours before bedtime, weight reduction, limiting smoking, alcohol and irritating foods. We advise you on the specific steps that have the greatest effect on reflux.
Acid-suppressing medication (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors are the basis of treatment – they suppress stomach acid production and allow the lining of the esophagus to heal. We set the dose and duration of treatment individually and adjust them gradually.
Follow-ups and monitoring
With more severe inflammation or Barrett's esophagus we schedule regular endoscopic check-ups so that any changes in the lining are detected early.
When medication is not enough
If the response to treatment is insufficient, we add functional diagnostics. In justified cases we prepare the documentation and direct you to surgical treatment of reflux, which is performed in a hospital.
When to see a doctor
Do not put off an examination with these symptoms.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unintended weight loss
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stool
- Anemia found in blood tests
- Heartburn several times a week despite over-the-counter medication
- Night-time complaints that regularly wake you
Frequently asked questions about reflux and heartburn
Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is common. We recommend an examination if the complaints appear several times a week, last longer than a few weeks, wake you at night, or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, weight loss or anemia.
Gastroscopy is a reliable way to assess the condition of the lining of the esophagus and rule out ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus. We recommend it especially for long-lasting, recurrent or warning symptoms. At our center you can have it within a few days, under sedation on request.
They are functional examinations of the esophagus. pH-metry measures how often and for how long acidic contents flow back into the esophagus; manometry assesses the pressures and motility of the esophagus. They help especially when the gastroscopy is normal but the complaints persist. The doctor assesses whether they are needed after the examination.
It is usually prescribed for several weeks until the lining heals, then the dose is gradually reduced. Some patients need long-term maintenance treatment – the doctor decides on its duration according to the findings and the course of the complaints. Do not stop the medication suddenly without consultation.
It is a change in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus that can develop with long-term untreated reflux. It is considered a risk condition, which is why it is monitored regularly by gastroscopy. Most patients with Barrett’s esophagus live without complications with proper monitoring.
Related topics
Gastroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach – the basis of reflux diagnosis. Gentle, with the option of sedation.
Stomach ulcers
Pain in the upper abdomen can also mean peptic ulcer disease. Find out how we tell it apart and treat it.
Bloating and digestive problems
Fullness, belching and bloating often accompany reflux – we help find their cause.
Who will take care of you
Gastroenterologist · lead specialist for gastroenterology at Proctocare
MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach. He has also long specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience
- Gastroenterology Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and the University Hospital Bratislava
- Publishing and lecturing activity in the field
Gastroenterologist · head of the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital Bratislava (UNB)
A gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience in digestive endoscopy. He specializes in gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Gastroenterologist · Bratislava office
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, including endoscopic examinations and functional gastroenterology, with an emphasis on patient comfort during the examination.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský – gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience, head medical guarantor of gastroenterology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Book a reflux examination
Gastroscopy usually within a few days. Call +421 948 687 667 – Proctocare Bratislava, Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II).
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Acid reflux and heartburn (GERD)
Almost everyone knows occasional heartburn, but if it keeps coming back, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At Proctocare in Bratislava it is diagnosed and treated by a team led by MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský. You can have a gastroscopy usually within a few days, no referral needed.
- Gastroscopy usually within a few days, with the option of sedation
- Lead specialist for gastroenterology MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský
- MUDr. Petronela Záhorcová specializes in functional gastroenterology within the team
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
Gastroesophageal reflux disease develops when acidic stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus and irritate its lining. Occasional reflux after a heavy meal is common and harmless. But if the symptoms appear several times a week, wake you at night or reduce your quality of life, we speak of reflux disease (GERD), which requires examination and treatment.
Long-term untreated reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to inflammation, narrowing or so-called Barrett’s esophagus – a change in the lining that is considered a risk condition and requires regular endoscopic monitoring. That is another reason why it pays to address reflux early rather than mask it for years with over-the-counter medication.
Symptoms of reflux
Reflux does not manifest only as heartburn – some patients have only extraesophageal symptoms.
- Heartburn – a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after meals, when lying down or bending forward
- Regurgitation – acidic or bitter contents coming back up into the mouth
- Chronic cough, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing or a feeling of mucus in the throat
- Pressure or an unpleasant sensation behind the breastbone
- Belching, a feeling of fullness and bloating after meals
- Night-time complaints that disturb sleep
A chronic cough or hoarseness without heartburn may be the only manifestation of reflux – that is when it is easily overlooked.
Causes and risk factors
- A weakened lower esophageal sphincter that does not close the passage between the esophagus and the stomach sufficiently
- Overweight and obesity, pregnancy
- Smoking and alcohol
- Large portions of food late in the evening, fatty and spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks
- Certain medications that reduce the tone of the esophageal sphincter
Diagnosis of reflux at Proctocare
The basis is gastroscopy – an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in which we assess the condition of the lining, rule out ulcers or Barrett’s esophagus and, if necessary, take samples for histology. At Proctocare you can usually have it within a few days, under sedation on request. You can read more about the procedure on the gastroscopy page.
If the gastroscopy findings are normal but the complaints persist, functional GI diagnostics help – pH-metry (measuring acidity in the esophagus over 24 hours) and manometry (measuring pressures and motility of the esophagus). Within our team, MUDr. Petronela Záhorcová specializes in functional gastroenterology. Everything starts with a gastroenterology examination, at which we suggest an approach tailored precisely to your complaints.
Treatment of reflux at our center
We combine lifestyle measures and medication – always according to the severity of the findings.
Lifestyle measures
Smaller portions, not eating 2–3 hours before bedtime, weight reduction, limiting smoking, alcohol and irritating foods. We advise you on the specific steps that have the greatest effect on reflux.
Acid-suppressing medication (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors are the basis of treatment – they suppress stomach acid production and allow the lining of the esophagus to heal. We set the dose and duration of treatment individually and adjust them gradually.
Follow-ups and monitoring
With more severe inflammation or Barrett's esophagus we schedule regular endoscopic check-ups so that any changes in the lining are detected early.
When medication is not enough
If the response to treatment is insufficient, we add functional diagnostics. In justified cases we prepare the documentation and direct you to surgical treatment of reflux, which is performed in a hospital.
When to see a doctor
Do not put off an examination with these symptoms.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unintended weight loss
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stool
- Anemia found in blood tests
- Heartburn several times a week despite over-the-counter medication
- Night-time complaints that regularly wake you
Frequently asked questions about reflux and heartburn
Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is common. We recommend an examination if the complaints appear several times a week, last longer than a few weeks, wake you at night, or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, weight loss or anemia.
Gastroscopy is a reliable way to assess the condition of the lining of the esophagus and rule out ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus. We recommend it especially for long-lasting, recurrent or warning symptoms. At our center you can have it within a few days, under sedation on request.
They are functional examinations of the esophagus. pH-metry measures how often and for how long acidic contents flow back into the esophagus; manometry assesses the pressures and motility of the esophagus. They help especially when the gastroscopy is normal but the complaints persist. The doctor assesses whether they are needed after the examination.
It is usually prescribed for several weeks until the lining heals, then the dose is gradually reduced. Some patients need long-term maintenance treatment – the doctor decides on its duration according to the findings and the course of the complaints. Do not stop the medication suddenly without consultation.
It is a change in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus that can develop with long-term untreated reflux. It is considered a risk condition, which is why it is monitored regularly by gastroscopy. Most patients with Barrett’s esophagus live without complications with proper monitoring.
Related topics
Gastroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach – the basis of reflux diagnosis. Gentle, with the option of sedation.
Stomach ulcers
Pain in the upper abdomen can also mean peptic ulcer disease. Find out how we tell it apart and treat it.
Bloating and digestive problems
Fullness, belching and bloating often accompany reflux – we help find their cause.
Who will take care of you
Gastroenterologist · lead specialist for gastroenterology at Proctocare
MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach. He has also long specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience
- Gastroenterology Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and the University Hospital Bratislava
- Publishing and lecturing activity in the field
Gastroenterologist · head of the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital Bratislava (UNB)
A gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience in digestive endoscopy. He specializes in gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Gastroenterologist · Bratislava office
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, including endoscopic examinations and functional gastroenterology, with an emphasis on patient comfort during the examination.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský – gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience, head medical guarantor of gastroenterology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Book a reflux examination
Gastroscopy usually within a few days. Call +421 948 687 667 – Proctocare Bratislava, Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II).
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Acid reflux and heartburn (GERD)
Almost everyone knows occasional heartburn, but if it keeps coming back, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At Proctocare in Bratislava it is diagnosed and treated by a team led by MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský. You can have a gastroscopy usually within a few days, no referral needed.
- Gastroscopy usually within a few days, with the option of sedation
- Lead specialist for gastroenterology MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský
- MUDr. Petronela Záhorcová specializes in functional gastroenterology within the team
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
Gastroesophageal reflux disease develops when acidic stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus and irritate its lining. Occasional reflux after a heavy meal is common and harmless. But if the symptoms appear several times a week, wake you at night or reduce your quality of life, we speak of reflux disease (GERD), which requires examination and treatment.
Long-term untreated reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to inflammation, narrowing or so-called Barrett’s esophagus – a change in the lining that is considered a risk condition and requires regular endoscopic monitoring. That is another reason why it pays to address reflux early rather than mask it for years with over-the-counter medication.
Symptoms of reflux
Reflux does not manifest only as heartburn – some patients have only extraesophageal symptoms.
- Heartburn – a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after meals, when lying down or bending forward
- Regurgitation – acidic or bitter contents coming back up into the mouth
- Chronic cough, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing or a feeling of mucus in the throat
- Pressure or an unpleasant sensation behind the breastbone
- Belching, a feeling of fullness and bloating after meals
- Night-time complaints that disturb sleep
A chronic cough or hoarseness without heartburn may be the only manifestation of reflux – that is when it is easily overlooked.
Causes and risk factors
- A weakened lower esophageal sphincter that does not close the passage between the esophagus and the stomach sufficiently
- Overweight and obesity, pregnancy
- Smoking and alcohol
- Large portions of food late in the evening, fatty and spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks
- Certain medications that reduce the tone of the esophageal sphincter
Diagnosis of reflux at Proctocare
The basis is gastroscopy – an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in which we assess the condition of the lining, rule out ulcers or Barrett’s esophagus and, if necessary, take samples for histology. At Proctocare you can usually have it within a few days, under sedation on request. You can read more about the procedure on the gastroscopy page.
If the gastroscopy findings are normal but the complaints persist, functional GI diagnostics help – pH-metry (measuring acidity in the esophagus over 24 hours) and manometry (measuring pressures and motility of the esophagus). Within our team, MUDr. Petronela Záhorcová specializes in functional gastroenterology. Everything starts with a gastroenterology examination, at which we suggest an approach tailored precisely to your complaints.
Treatment of reflux at our center
We combine lifestyle measures and medication – always according to the severity of the findings.
Lifestyle measures
Smaller portions, not eating 2–3 hours before bedtime, weight reduction, limiting smoking, alcohol and irritating foods. We advise you on the specific steps that have the greatest effect on reflux.
Acid-suppressing medication (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors are the basis of treatment – they suppress stomach acid production and allow the lining of the esophagus to heal. We set the dose and duration of treatment individually and adjust them gradually.
Follow-ups and monitoring
With more severe inflammation or Barrett's esophagus we schedule regular endoscopic check-ups so that any changes in the lining are detected early.
When medication is not enough
If the response to treatment is insufficient, we add functional diagnostics. In justified cases we prepare the documentation and direct you to surgical treatment of reflux, which is performed in a hospital.
When to see a doctor
Do not put off an examination with these symptoms.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unintended weight loss
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stool
- Anemia found in blood tests
- Heartburn several times a week despite over-the-counter medication
- Night-time complaints that regularly wake you
Frequently asked questions about reflux and heartburn
Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is common. We recommend an examination if the complaints appear several times a week, last longer than a few weeks, wake you at night, or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, weight loss or anemia.
Gastroscopy is a reliable way to assess the condition of the lining of the esophagus and rule out ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus. We recommend it especially for long-lasting, recurrent or warning symptoms. At our center you can have it within a few days, under sedation on request.
They are functional examinations of the esophagus. pH-metry measures how often and for how long acidic contents flow back into the esophagus; manometry assesses the pressures and motility of the esophagus. They help especially when the gastroscopy is normal but the complaints persist. The doctor assesses whether they are needed after the examination.
It is usually prescribed for several weeks until the lining heals, then the dose is gradually reduced. Some patients need long-term maintenance treatment – the doctor decides on its duration according to the findings and the course of the complaints. Do not stop the medication suddenly without consultation.
It is a change in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus that can develop with long-term untreated reflux. It is considered a risk condition, which is why it is monitored regularly by gastroscopy. Most patients with Barrett’s esophagus live without complications with proper monitoring.
Related topics
Gastroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach – the basis of reflux diagnosis. Gentle, with the option of sedation.
Stomach ulcers
Pain in the upper abdomen can also mean peptic ulcer disease. Find out how we tell it apart and treat it.
Bloating and digestive problems
Fullness, belching and bloating often accompany reflux – we help find their cause.
Who will take care of you
Gastroenterologist · lead specialist for gastroenterology at Proctocare
MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach. He has also long specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience
- Gastroenterology Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and the University Hospital Bratislava
- Publishing and lecturing activity in the field
Gastroenterologist · head of the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital Bratislava (UNB)
A gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience in digestive endoscopy. He specializes in gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Gastroenterologist · Bratislava office
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, including endoscopic examinations and functional gastroenterology, with an emphasis on patient comfort during the examination.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský – gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience, head medical guarantor of gastroenterology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Book a reflux examination
Gastroscopy usually within a few days. Call +421 948 687 667 – Proctocare Bratislava, Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II).
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk