A burning sensation rising behind the breastbone, a dry cough that lingers, a bitter taste on waking: these signs may reflect persistent acid reflux. Most often benign at the outset, it should never become chronic without medical investigation.
At Kensington Clinic, a private clinic in London, a team of four consultant gastroenterologists welcomes you for acid reflux. Our specialists practising in London ensure rapid care, with access to further investigations through our partnership with LGCL (Leaders in Gastrointestinal Care London).
Consultations available in English, French and Arabic depending on the practitioner, in person or remotely, within a few days.
What is acid reflux (GORD / GERD) ?
Acid reflux refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus. When it becomes chronic, it is referred to as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, called GORD (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease) in the UK and GERD in the US. Both terms describe the same condition.
The lower oesophageal sphincter no longer plays its role as a valve. As a result, stomach acid irritates the oesophageal lining and causes the characteristic symptoms.
Acid reflux or indigestion: how to tell them apart?
Acid reflux and indigestion (dyspepsia) are often confused, as they can coexist. They are, however, two distinct conditions.
CRITERIA | ACID REFLUX | INDIGESTION |
Location | Burning behind the breastbone, rising towards the throat | Heaviness in the upper abdomen |
Triggers | Lying down, heavy meals | Fatty meals, stress, eating too quickly |
Frequency if chronic | Several times a week | Episodic, linked to meals |
Distinctive signs | Acid regurgitation, bitter taste | Bloating, belching |
Only a consultation with an acid reflux specialist in London can establish a precise diagnosis.
The particular forms of reflux: silent and laryngopharyngeal
Some forms of reflux fall outside the classic pattern, with symptoms not always recognised as digestive in origin.
Silent acid reflux does not cause heartburn. The symptoms are indirect: chronic cough, throat clearing, hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat. The absence of the classic burning often delays diagnosis.
Laryngopharyngeal acid reflux (LPR) is the backflow of stomach contents beyond the oesophagus, up to the pharynx and larynx. The symptoms are ENT-related: morning hoarseness, throat tickle, swallowing difficulties, nocturnal cough.
In both cases, a specialist’s opinion is essential to distinguish a digestive origin from ENT or pulmonary causes.
Our acid reflux specialists in London
Kensington Clinic brings together four consultant gastroenterologists with complementary expertise.
Dr Akeel Alisa: senior hepato-gastroenterologist, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP London) and founder of LGCL.
Consultations in English and Arabic.
Dr David Simon: French gastroenterologist in London, trained at CHU Saint-Antoine and the Sorbonne, expert in hepato-pancreato-biliary endoscopy.
Consultations in French and English.
Dr Noriko Suzuki: consultant in therapeutic endoscopy at St Mark’s Hospital since 1998, specialist in endoscopic submucosal dissection.
Consultations in English.
Dr Owen Woghiren: consultant in chronic inflammatory bowel disease and clinical nutrition at the Royal Free.
Consultations in English.
Why you should not ignore chronic acid reflux?
Occasional acid reflux is common. Chronic reflux exposes you to complications, sometimes silent in the early stages.
Main dangers of ignored acid reflux
- Oesophagitis: chronic inflammation of the oesophageal lining.
- Oesophageal stricture: scar narrowing that interferes with swallowing.
- Barrett’s oesophagus: transformation of the oesophageal tissue considered pre-cancerous.
- Oesophageal adenocarcinoma, for which chronic reflux is a recognised risk factor.
- ENT complications (chronic laryngitis, dental erosion).
- Respiratory complications (chronic cough, worsened asthma).
Certain signs should prompt you to see one of our specialists without delay
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia);
- Unintended weight loss;
- Digestive bleeding (bloody vomit, black stools);
- Unexplained anaemia;
- Severe chest pain.
Consulting an acid reflux specialist: the care pathway
At Kensington Clinic, care for acid reflux follows a structured four-step pathway.
Medical interview
Your doctor takes a history of your symptoms, their frequency, triggers and impact. They review your medical history, current treatments and diet.
Clinical examination
Abdominal palpation and targeted assessment depending on the context (ENT, respiratory or cardiac if necessary).
Further investigations
Your doctor may request an upper endoscopy, oesophageal pH monitoring, manometry or breath tests. These investigations can be carried out at the clinic or via our partnership with LGCL.
Treatment plan
Lifestyle and dietary adjustments together with medication, with proton pump inhibitors as first-line treatment. A surgical option may be discussed with a partner digestive surgeon.
This process, led by an acid reflux specialist in London, ensures continuity from diagnosis to follow-up.
Our partnership with LGCL and access to clinical trials in the UK
Since 2022, Kensington Clinic has hosted a centre of excellence in gastroenterology in partnership with LGCL. This consortium connects our acid reflux specialists in London with the leading university hospitals in the UK.
For patients with acid reflux refractory to standard treatments, this partnership opens, depending on the clinical situation, a possibility of referral to university centres where clinical trials on reflux are conducted in the UK. This referral is neither systematic nor guaranteed: it depends on the patient’s profile and the protocols in progress.
Fees for an acid reflux consultation
In London, the cost of a consultation with an acid reflux specialist varies depending on the practitioner consulted and the format chosen.
CONSULTATION TYPES | DURATION | FEES |
Initial consultation (in person) | 20 to 30 min | From £200 |
Follow-up consultation | 20 to 30 min | From £180 |
Video consultation | 20 min | From £140 |
Long consultation | 45 to 60 min | £450 |
A £70 prepayment is requested at the time of booking. The balance is settled on the day of the consultation.
Kensington Clinic is recognised by most major private health insurers and expatriate cover providers, including Aviva, Axa, Bupa UK, Bupa International, Cigna, Healix, WPA and Vitality.
Kensington Clinic is located at 2 North Terrace, London SW3 2BA, a six-minute walk from South Kensington and eight minutes from Knightsbridge.
Our specialists welcome patients for acid reflux near them, whether they live in Greater London or are international visitors passing through the capital. A London-based acid reflux specialist is available every week, in person or remotely.
To book an appointment, three channels are at your disposal:
- Phone, on 020 7589 9321;
- Email, at contact@lamaisonmedicale.co.uk;
- Online booking, directly via our appointment system.
When booking, please specify your preferred language (English, French, Arabic) and flag any urgent slot.
FAQ
Can a gallbladder cause acid reflux?
Yes, gallbladder conditions can promote acid reflux or worsen its symptoms.
Several mechanisms come into play:
- Bile reflux, with bile flowing back into the stomach and then the oesophagus;
- Digestive dysfunction after cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder);
- Frequent coexistence of gallstones and reflux, which share certain risk factors.
Only a consultation with an acid reflux specialist can distinguish isolated reflux from reflux associated with a gallbladder condition.
Can acid reflux cause a sore throat?
Yes, acid reflux is a frequent cause of chronic sore throat, particularly when it takes the form of laryngopharyngeal or silent reflux.
The typical symptoms combine:
- Pharyngeal irritation and tickling;
- Persistent morning hoarseness;
- Frequent throat clearing;
- Sensation of a lump in the throat (globus).
When a sore throat persists without an identified ENT cause, the possibility of reflux should be considered with a specialist.
What is the difference between acid reflux care on the NHS and in a private clinic?
Both routes offer quality medical care, but differ on several practical points:
- Waiting time, a few days in a private clinic versus several weeks on average on the NHS;
- Continuity, the same practitioner from the initial consultation through to follow-up in a private clinic;
- Access to investigations, available on site or via our partners;
- Languages, consultations in French, English and Arabic at Kensington Clinic.
No GP referral letter is required for private clinic appointments.
