Reflux specialist Perth
Understanding reflux and when to see a specialist
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
Reflux can cause burning, bloating, or a persistent cough, and it’s more common than many people realise. At Westside Gastroenterology, we provide expert, down-to-earth care to help you find out what’s going on and how to feel better.
Reflux symptoms explained
What is reflux and why does it happen?
You’ve probably heard of reflux. That uncomfortable burn in your chest after eating, or the sour taste that creeps up at night. It happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This backwash irritates the lining and is often called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.
At the heart of it is a small muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus. Its job is to keep stomach contents where they belong. But when it loosens too much or doesn’t close properly, acid slips through. And it’s not just food that triggers it. Weight, stress, pregnancy, smoking, and even some medications can all play a part.
“Reflux symptoms vary from person to person. Some people feel heartburn, others might just have a cough or a hoarse voice.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
How do I know if I have reflux?
It’s normal to feel a bit of heartburn or indigestion now and then. But if it happens several times a week, it could be a sign of something more persistent.
Common symptoms of reflux include:
- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- A sour or acidic taste in the mouth
- Feeling bloated or full quickly
- A dry cough or sore throat that lingers
- Waking at night with a choking sensation
- A hoarse or croaky voice, especially in the morning
Not all reflux comes with heartburn. This is known as silent reflux, and it’s trickier to detect. You might notice a constant need to clear your throat or find your voice sounds strained. These are subtle signs that acid may be creeping up without the usual burn.
Reflux specialist Perth
When to see a reflux specialist
It’s a good idea to start with your GP. They can offer early advice or prescribe medication. But if your symptoms keep coming back or aren’t improving, your doctor might refer you to a reflux specialist.
At Westside Gastroenterology in Murdoch, we begin by listening. We ask about your symptoms, medical history, and daily routine. We want to understand what you’re going through and how it’s affecting your life, so we can offer care that truly fits.
Next, we might recommend a few simple tests to understand what’s going on:
- Endoscopy (gastroscopy): This allows us to look directly at the lining of your oesophagus and stomach using a thin, flexible camera.
- pH monitoring: Measures how often acid flows back into the oesophagus.
- Oesophageal manometry: Assesses how well the muscles in your oesophagus are working.
“We take time to understand the pattern of your symptoms. Reflux isn’t one-size-fits-all, and treatment should reflect that.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
What can help me feel better?
Reflux treatment depends on the cause and how severe the symptoms are. For many people, small lifestyle changes go a long way. But sometimes, medication or a procedure is needed.
Here’s how we usually approach it:
- Food and drink: Avoid large meals, spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, and alcohol. These can be common triggers.
- Positioning: Eat earlier in the evening and try not to lie down right after. Raising the head of your bed slightly can ease nighttime symptoms.
- Weight: Carrying extra weight around the belly puts pressure on the stomach. Even a small amount of weight loss can help.
- Medications: Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce stomach acid and offer relief.
- Procedures: If medication isn’t working or long-term use isn’t right for you, we can explore options like surgery or endoscopic techniques.
“Treatment is never just about pills. We look at everything including your diet, sleep habits, stress, and daily routine, to build a plan that suits you.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Day-to-day changes that can ease reflux
Living with reflux doesn’t mean your quality of life has to take a hit. We’re here to help you make small, practical changes that ease your symptoms without leaving you feeling limited.
You might find relief by:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Taking your time at the table, chewing well and eating mindfully
- Avoiding late-night snacks
- Choosing looser clothing that doesn’t press on your waist
- Keeping a diary to spot symptom patterns
We focus on long-term habits, not quick fixes. You don’t need to give up everything you enjoy to feel better.
Reflux complications to watch for
What happens if reflux is left untreated?
Occasional reflux is common and usually nothing to worry about. But when it becomes frequent or severe, it can lead to complications if left untreated.
These may include:
- Oesophagitis: Inflammation of the oesophagus lining
- Strictures: Scarring that narrows the oesophagus and makes swallowing harder
- Barrett’s oesophagus: A change in the cells lining the oesophagus, which slightly raises the risk of cancer
It’s understandable to feel concerned, but these changes tend to happen slowly. With regular monitoring and the right care, they can often be prevented or caught early.
“If there are any red flags, like difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting blood, please speak to your doctor straight away.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Reflux treatment options
Why choose Westside Gastroenterology
At Westside Gastroenterology, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Reflux looks different for everyone, so whether your symptoms are mild or more persistent, we’ll work closely with you to find the right path forward.
Our Murdoch clinic is fully equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of digestive conditions. Alongside reflux, we also manage concerns like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), so we can consider your whole gut health.
“When you understand the cause of your reflux, you can take back control. Our goal is to help you feel better and get on with life.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Speak with a reflux specialist in Perth today
If reflux is disrupting your sleep, meals, or day-to-day comfort, don’t wait to get help. At Westside Gastroenterology in Murdoch, we’ll help you understand what’s happening and what you can do to feel better.
No more second-guessing your diet or medications. We’ll take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and guide you through every step.
Book an appointment today with Dr Callum Pearce, Perth Gastroenterologist, and take the first step toward better gut health.
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150