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Conditions
AcidReflux(GORD)
Stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes throat or chest symptoms.
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From $49.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofAcidReflux(GORD)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Heartburn (burning behind breastbone)
Regurgitation of acid or food
Chest pain (can mimic heart attack)
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Worse after eating or lying down
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Prescription for reflux medication (PPIs, etc.)
- Advice on lifestyle modifications
- Discussion of when to see a specialist
- Medical certificates if reflux severely affects work
What needs in-person care
- Endoscopy
- Surgical treatment
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Symptoms not controlled by antacids
- 2Difficulty swallowing
- 3Unintended weight loss
- 4Symptoms several times a week
- 5You need ongoing medication
Seek emergency care if
- Severe chest pain (rule out heart attack)
- Vomiting blood
- Black or tarry stools
- Severe difficulty swallowing
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonAcidReflux(GORD)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Acid reflux (GORD) is extremely common and usually manageable, but I see two problems in practice: people who self-treat with antacids for years without addressing the underlying cause, and people who assume chest discomfort is 'just reflux' when it could be something more serious. Classic reflux symptoms - burning behind the breastbone after meals, worse when lying down, with acid taste - are usually straightforward. However, if you are experiencing chest pain with exertion, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, this needs urgent assessment to rule out cardiac causes, regardless of your reflux history. For ongoing reflux, lifestyle modifications are genuinely effective: eating smaller meals, not eating within 3 hours of bed, elevating the head of the bed, losing weight if overweight, and identifying trigger foods. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective but should be reviewed periodically - long-term use warrants a conversation about whether they are still necessary.
Treatment
TreatingAcidReflux(GORD)
Acid reflux (GORD) is treated with lifestyle modifications and acid-suppressing medications. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective medical therapy, reducing stomach acid production by up to 90%. Treatment is usually started at a standard dose for 4-8 weeks, then stepped down to the lowest effective dose.
Omeprazole
Losec, Acimax, Probitor
Class:Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Typical dose:20mg once daily before breakfast (up to 40mg for severe GORD)
PBS:PBS listed for GORD with documented oesophagitis or severe symptoms
- Most widely prescribed PPI in Australia
- Take 30 minutes before food for maximum effectiveness
- Full acid suppression takes 2-5 days to develop
- Long-term use should be reviewed annually
Esomeprazole
Nexium, Nexazole
Class:Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Typical dose:20-40mg once daily before breakfast
PBS:PBS listed for GORD with documented oesophagitis
- S-isomer of omeprazole with slightly more consistent acid suppression
- Often used when omeprazole response is incomplete
- Available over-the-counter at lower doses (20mg)
- Take 30 minutes before food
Pantoprazole
Somac, Salpraz
Class:Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Typical dose:40mg once daily before breakfast
PBS:PBS listed for GORD with documented oesophagitis
- Fewer drug interactions than omeprazole - preferred if taking multiple medications
- Similar efficacy to other PPIs
- Good option for patients on blood thinners (less CYP2C19 interaction)
- Available in lower 20mg maintenance dose
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Gastrointestinal, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a gastroenterologist is recommended if symptoms persist despite 8 weeks of PPI therapy, if you have alarm features (difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood), or for Barrett's oesophagus surveillance.
Acid Reflux (GORD) in Australia
GORD affects approximately 15% of Australians on a weekly basis
Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed medications in Australia
Long-term PPI use has been associated with increased risk of certain nutrient deficiencies (B12, magnesium, calcium)
Approximately 10% of GORD patients develop Barrett's oesophagus, which requires monitoring
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Mild reflux: symptoms often improve within days of lifestyle changes. Moderate-severe: PPIs typically provide significant relief within 1-2 weeks. Chronic GORD is an ongoing condition requiring long-term management.
Return to work
Most people work normally with reflux. Severe flares with chest pain or nausea may warrant a day off. If your work involves bending, heavy lifting, or lying flat, these can worsen symptoms - discuss modifications with your doctor.
When to reassess
See a doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, chest pain with exertion, or if symptoms persist despite 2 weeks of PPI treatment. Any new chest pain should be assessed urgently.
Self-Care
ManagingAcidReflux(GORD)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals - large meals increase stomach pressure and worsen reflux
Do not eat within 2-3 hours of lying down - gravity helps keep acid in the stomach
Elevate the head of your bed by 15-20cm (using blocks under the bed legs, not just extra pillows)
Identify and avoid your personal trigger foods - common ones include coffee, alcohol, chocolate, spicy food, citrus, and tomatoes
Lose weight if overweight - even modest weight loss significantly reduces reflux frequency
Avoid tight-fitting clothing around the waist - increased abdominal pressure worsens reflux
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutAcidReflux(GORD)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Seek urgent care for chest pain (rule out heart), vomiting blood, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor if symptoms are frequent or not controlled.
Yes. Our doctors can prescribe proton pump inhibitors and other reflux medications for appropriate cases.
Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, elevate head of bed, limit alcohol and caffeine, lose weight if overweight.
PPIs are generally safe but long-term use may have risks. Use the lowest effective dose. Discuss with your doctor if you've been on them for years.
Ready to get help with Acid Reflux (GORD)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.