Acid Reflux / GORD
Welcome to Qoctor’s online doctor service which can provide assessment for GORD/Acid Reflux. Answer some online questions, then book a video consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor. Repeats available.
The consultation fee is $29.99. If a prescription is advised, it can be sent as an eScript to your phone OR electronically to your local pharmacy. Alternatively you can have medication delivered by an Australian partner pharmacy- in this case, the cost of medication is added at the checkout. All treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and the doctor’s assessment.
About Acid Reflux & GORD
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (also known as GORD or acid reflux) is a common condition caused by acid rising from the stomach into the oesophagus (food pipe). This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, indigestion, belching, a taste of acid in the mouth, and sometimes a dry cough.
- It can be triggered by various things, such as acidic or rich foods, large meals, alcohol, being overweight, and smoking.
- If you’ve had reflux for a few days, a short course of antacid medication may get rid of the symptoms. If this does not work, it’s essential you see a doctor for a check up, as there can be a more serious underlying condition.
- Some people suffer from reflux on an ongoing basis and need to take antacids every day. Anyone who needs long term antacids should have a camera test (gastroscopy) to make sure there is nothing more serious going on, and should also have a check up with their doctor every 6 to 12 months.
Common Questions and Answers
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a general term which encompasses acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and oesophagitis. It may include one or more of these conditions. It is caused by irritation of the stomach or food pipe (oesophagus) by stomach acid.
The stomach naturally makes acid as part of the normal digestion process. Usually the sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus acts as a valve and keeps this acid in the stomach. Acid reflux can happen if this sphincter is weak, if there is too much acid made in the stomach, if the stomach is not emptying properly, or if there is increased pressure in the stomach, forcing acid back up into the oesophagus.
Many things can trigger Acid Reflux / GORD including:
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Hiatus Hernia
- Helicobacter Pylori ( a common infection of the stomach)
- Acidic or spicy food and drink
- Large fatty meals
- Obesity
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Medications (including anti-inflammatories, certain blood pressure medications, sleeping tablets and painkillers)
The main symptom of GORD is heartburn. This is a discomfort or burning sensation which rises from the upper tummy or lower chest up towards the neck. Other common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Belching
- Indigestion
- An acid-like taste in the mouth
- Persistent dry cough
- A feeling of a lump in the throat
- A burning pain when you swallow hot drinks
Symptoms tend to be worse after or with meals.
If you get any of the following symptoms you should seek immediate medical attention. They may indicate a more serious underlying condition:
- Chest pain or upper tummy pain worse on exertion
- Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids
- Persistent pain on swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Vomiting blood or dark brown vomit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Altered bowel habit (diarrhoea or constipation) for more than 6 weeks
- Altered stool (dark or black poo)
- Lump in the abdomen (tummy)
- Unexplained anaemia
- Jaundice
- New GORD symptoms in someone aged 55 years or over
- GORD symptoms with any of the following:
- Family history of stomach or oesophageal cancer in more than two first degree relatives
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Pernicious anaemia
- Previous stomach ulcer surgery
- Pernicious anaemia
- A previous diagnosis of the following stomach conditions: dysplasia, atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia
Most people are diagnosed with GORD by their GP on the basis of their typical symptoms and their response to treatment. Further tests may be needed if:
- Symptoms are severe
- Do not improve with treatment
- Are not typical of GORD
- There are any red flag symptoms
If further investigation is required a gastroscopy is usually the next step. This is where a thin, flexible telescope is passed down the oesophagus into the stomach. A normal test helps to rule out more serious causes of reflux symptoms, particularly stomach cancer.
Lifestyle changes may help, such as and avoid triggers- for example avoiding smoking, alcohol and weight gain. There are over the counter medications which help to neutralise acid, as well as other medications which may be prescribed by doctors, subject to assessment.
Oesophageal stricture– Acid Reflux / GORD can cause scarring and narrowing of the food pipe called an oesophageal stricture if left untreated. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, and problems eating and drinking.
Barrett’s oesophagus – this is a complication of long standing, untreated Acid Reflux / GORD. The excess acid causes a permanent change in the cells that line the oesophagus. It increases the risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus, and thus needs to be managed and monitored.
But most people with Acid Reflux / GORD do not develop any of these complications. If you have any concerns then you should discuss them with your doctor.
Health Library- Digestion & Bowel Health
Acid reflux- what causes GORD, and how to get rid of it
Acid reflux- what causes GORD, and how to get rid of it Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows from the stomach upwards into the oesophagus. The oesophagus (us-off-a-gus) is the tube connecting your mouth with your stomach. Acid reflux can cause irritation of the lining of the oesophagus. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) may be present if someone has symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. While most people can manage the symptoms with lifestyle changes and simple medications from their pharmacy, some people suffering from GORD may need stronger medications or even surgery to treat their symptoms. Anyone with acid reflux or GORD symptoms that are not settling, or that are getting worse over time, should seek medical advice, as investigations may be required to rule out more serious underlying conditions. [...]
What is Bali Belly?
What is Bali Belly? causes prevention treatment What causes Bali Belly? Bali Belly is also known as “Traveller’s Diarrhoea” It comes from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water You get watery diarrhoea, and sometimes vomiting, fever, bloating or tummy cramps. It usually lasts between 1 and 5 days In 10% of people it lasts more than 2 weeks There are other conditions you need to consider. Dysentery leads to blood or mucus in your poo- urgent medical attention is required. Giardia is a specific parasite that causes lots of farting, bloating, tummy pains. It tends to last a long time. Travelling soon? Book an online GP appointment today How can you avoid Bali Belly? There are a few tips that may help you avoid getting Bali Belly. Make sure all meat and seafood is thoroughly cooked [...]
Traveller’s Diarrhoea- causes, symptoms & treatment
Traveller's Diarrhoea- causes, symptoms & treatment What is Traveller’s Diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is 3 or more loose bowel motions per 24 hours. Traveller’s Diarrhoea is Gastroenteritis (“gastro”) that develops shortly after or during travel abroad. It can range from a tummy upset for a day or two, with mild diarrhoea, to more severe diarrhoea, tummy cramps, vomiting, fevers and dehydration lasting several days or longer. What are the symptoms of Traveller's Diarrhoea? Symptoms (other than diarrhoea) may include: Abdominal pain Nausea (feeling sick) and/or vomiting Fevers Aches What conditions can be assessed by our doctors? What causes Traveller's Diarrhoea? Traveller’s Diarrhoea is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with germs (bacteria, viruses or parasites) or their toxins. It can be spread by contact with an infected person. The commonest germs include: Bacteria Escherichia coli (E Coli) [...]
What causes mouth ulcers?
What causes mouth ulcers? & when to see a doctor What causes mouth ulcers? By far the most common type of mouth ulcers are “aphthous ulcers”. These are thought to affect 20-30% of the population, tending to start in childhood and getting less frequent as a person gets older. With aphthous ulcers, the lining of the mouth or tongue breaks down in a small round or oval area, often with a white, grey or yellow tinge in the middle, and an inflamed red edge. Aphthous can be very painful, and salty, spicy or acidic foods can make them sting badly. Some people get an aphthous ulcer once or twice a year, others may get them almost continuously, varying from single lesions to several at a time. What conditions can be assessed by our doctors? What causes aphthous [...]
Appendicitis- how to recognise the symptoms
Appendicitis- how to recognise the symptoms cause symptoms diagnosis treatment When people come to see the doctor with abdominal pain, often they are worried it could be Appendicitis. So how do you know if you have Appendicitis? Here are a few tell-tale signs that doctors look out for. But first, what exactly is Appendicitis? What is the Appendix and what does it do? The appendix is a small worm-like tubular structure that extends from the start of the large intestine (the caecum), which in most people is situated in the lower right side of the abdomen (tummy). The appendix does not appear to have any important functions in modern-day humans. However, in other mammals, the appendix still has a role in the digestion of food- so it may have had a similar purpose for our human ancestors. [...]
What are gallstones and why do they happen?
What are gallstones and why do they happen? what are they? causes symptoms tests & treatment What are gallstones? Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder The gallbladder is a sac-like organ located just under the liver- it stores bile which is a yellow-green liquid formed by the liver, that helps to digest food. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts, and squirts bile into the intestine. Gallstones can consist of different substances- cholesterol, pigments, or a mixture of both. Quite often there are bacteria contained in the centre of the stones. Request a medical certificate How common are gallstones? Around 15% of the population are thought to have gallstones, but most of these people have no symptoms. Why do people get gallstones? What causes gallstones? It’s not fully understood what [...]
