GERD Treatment in Spain for Expats & Tourists

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Reflux reviewed by video, with a clear plan, in English.

Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
GERD symptoms can become worse with travel, heavier meals, alcohol, stress, and late-night eating, making it hard to enjoy your time in Spain. GERD may cause:
- Frequent heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Sour or bitter taste
- Symptoms after meals or when lying down
- Night cough
- Throat irritation
- Recurrent upper chest burning
Reflux symptoms are uncomfortable and often recurrent. Many patients want to know whether they need medication, food changes, testing, or referral.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
The doctor will assess whether your symptoms are consistent with typical GERD, whether there are alarm symptoms, and whether another diagnosis is more likely. Management may include:
- Lifestyle measures targeted to your triggers
- Evidence-based trial treatment
- Review of medications that may worsen reflux
- Referral for endoscopy or further testing when indicated
GERD is defined as reflux of gastric contents that results in symptoms or complications, with heartburn and regurgitation as typical symptoms. Difficulty swallowing, bleeding, weight loss, or persistent vomiting should not be managed as routine online GERD.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for GERD Treatment
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Trouble swallowing or food sticking
- Vomiting blood
- Black stools
- Weight loss without trying
- Recurrent vomiting
- Severe chest pain
- Severe upper abdominal pain
Frequently asked questions
Can GERD be managed online in Spain?
Yes, typical uncomplicated reflux symptoms can often be assessed and initially managed remotely.
Do I always need an endoscopy for GERD?
No. Many patients with typical symptoms do not need immediate endoscopy unless alarm features or complications are suspected.
Can reflux cause throat or cough symptoms?
Sometimes, yes, but throat symptoms and cough can also have other causes, so the diagnosis should be made carefully.
What can I buy at a pharmacy in Spain for acid reflux?
Antacids and alginate liquids or chewable tablets are sold without a prescription and ease occasional heartburn. Small packs of omeprazole are also sold without a prescription for short-term use in adults, as the leaflet says. See a doctor if you need them for more than two weeks, or if you have trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting or black stools.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
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