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Gaviscon and acid reflux

How the structures involved in Acid Reflux differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Acid Reflux differ from normal

Short answer

Gaviscon may relieve acid reflux symptoms by forming a floating barrier over stomach contents, while persistent or severe symptoms need medical assessment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Action
A barrier can reduce contact between refluxed contents and the food pipe.
Check first
Ask a pharmacist about interactions with other medicines.
Review needed
Recurring, swallowing or bleeding symptoms need medical assessment.

What the medicine does

Reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. Gaviscon products can create a layer that sits above the stomach contents, helping reduce contact with the food pipe. Some formulations also contain an antacid that neutralises acid. Relief is intended for symptoms such as burning behind the breastbone or a sour taste; it does not remove every cause of reflux. Read more about [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/).

Symptoms may be worse after a large meal, when bending, or when lying down. A cough or disturbed sleep can occur alongside reflux, but those symptoms can have other causes.

Using it sensibly

Follow the product label and ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines, because antacids can affect how some medicines are absorbed. Smaller meals, avoiding lying down soon after eating, and identifying personal food triggers may reduce episodes. Do not keep treating frequent symptoms without review; you may need a different treatment or an assessment for another problem such as [Hiatus Hernia](/conditions/hiatus-hernia/).

When to seek care

Seek urgent help for chest pain or tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw. Arrange medical review for trouble swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that keep returning despite correct use. A persistent cough may also need assessment; see [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/).

Questions for your doctor

Do my symptoms fit reflux, or could my chest or abdominal symptoms have another cause? How often can I use this product? Do I need a longer-term treatment or testing because symptoms recur at night?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can Gaviscon stop acid reflux permanently?

It can provide symptom relief but does not necessarily address the reason reflux occurs. Repeated symptoms should be reviewed rather than treated indefinitely without advice.

Can reflux cause a cough?

Reflux can accompany a cough, particularly when symptoms occur after meals or while lying down, but infection, asthma and other conditions can also cause cough.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.