What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus. It is a common condition affecting up to one in five Australians regularly. The most common symptom is heartburn — a burning sensation in the chest that often worsens after eating or when lying down.
Other symptoms may include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, a sensation of a lump in the throat, chronic cough, or hoarseness. While occasional reflux is normal, frequent symptoms may indicate GORD and benefit from medical assessment and treatment.
When to see a doctor about reflux
You should see a GP if you experience reflux symptoms more than twice a week, if over-the-counter antacids are not providing adequate relief, if symptoms are interfering with your daily life or sleep, or if you have been self-managing reflux for an extended period without medical review.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black tarry stools, or severe chest pain. These may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent investigation. Your GP can arrange a gastroenterologist referral if needed.
How a telehealth GP can help with reflux
A telehealth GP can effectively assess and manage acid reflux without requiring an in-person visit. Your doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Reflux is well suited to telehealth management as it typically does not require a physical examination for initial assessment.
During your consultation, your GP can prescribe acid-suppressing medication, provide dietary and lifestyle advice, arrange further investigations if indicated, provide a repeat prescription for existing medication, or refer you to a gastroenterologist for more complex cases.
Treatment options for reflux
Treatment for reflux typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Your GP may prescribe acid-suppressing medication if clinically appropriate, and will discuss the duration of treatment based on the severity of your symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications that may help reduce reflux include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods (such as fatty, spicy, or acidic foods), eating smaller meals, not eating within three hours of bedtime, elevating the head of your bed, and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.
For persistent or severe reflux, your GP may recommend further investigation such as a gastroscopy to assess the oesophagus. If you have been taking reflux medication long-term, your GP can discuss the ongoing need for treatment and whether a step-down approach may be appropriate.