Acid Reflux / GERD
Symptoms
- Heartburn - burning sensation in the chest
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Symptoms worse after eating or lying down
Who this service is for
- Adults aged 18 and over with reflux symptoms
- Those who have tried lifestyle changes without success
- People with intermittent or persistent symptoms
This service is not suitable for
- Those with difficulty swallowing or unintentional weight loss
- People with persistent vomiting
- Those with symptoms of GI bleeding
When to seek urgent care
Contact your GP or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing that is getting worse
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting blood or dark 'coffee ground' vomit
- Black, tarry stools
Treatment information
Persistent reflux is usually treated with a proton pump inhibitor, a group of medicines that reduce stomach acid, alongside lifestyle changes. Your prescriber will check for symptoms that need a GP or urgent referral before prescribing, and will agree a plan for reviewing rather than continuing long term without a check.
Prescription treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment. If treatment is not clinically appropriate, you will not be charged for medication.
Treatment options
- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), a medicine that reduces stomach acid, prescribed at a dose your prescriber chooses.
- Lifestyle advice: meal timing, weight, alcohol and smoking.
- Red flags such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss or bleeding go to a GP, not an online service.
Reviewed by
Anand Sharma
MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber
Superintendent Pharmacist (designate)
Important information
This is a private healthcare service. Prescription medications are only supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber. Treatment is not guaranteed and will only be provided where clinically appropriate. Alternative options may be discussed.