Online Acid Reflux Treatment

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents travel back up towards the food pipe or throat. It can cause heartburn, sour taste, regurgitation, burping, nausea, throat irritation or symptoms that are worse after meals or when lying down.

What is GORD?

GORD stands for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. It is used when reflux symptoms are frequent, persistent or troublesome. Persistent symptoms should be assessed appropriately rather than treated repeatedly without review.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid irritating the food pipe. It can feel worse after eating, bending, lying down, large meals, alcohol, spicy foods or fatty foods.

Can reflux cause a sour taste or regurgitation?

Yes. Acid reflux can cause sour or bitter fluid to come back up into the throat or mouth. Persistent regurgitation, vomiting or swallowing symptoms should be assessed carefully.

Can reflux cause a cough or hoarse voice?

Reflux can contribute to throat irritation, cough, hoarseness or a feeling of a lump in the throat in some patients. These symptoms can also have other causes, so persistent or worsening symptoms should be reviewed.

Can acid reflux feel like chest pain?

Yes. Reflux can cause burning chest discomfort, but chest pain can also be caused by heart problems. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain that is severe, crushing, new, exertional, associated with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, collapse or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back.

When should reflux symptoms be assessed by a GP?

You should seek GP advice if symptoms are persistent, recurrent, worsening, new after the age of 55, not responding to treatment, or associated with weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, bleeding, anaemia, severe pain or feeling very unwell.

What red-flag symptoms mean online reflux treatment may not be suitable?

Red flags include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, anaemia symptoms, a lump in the stomach area, or new persistent indigestion in later life.

Can reflux be linked to H. pylori?

Some upper stomach symptoms can be linked to H. pylori infection, gastritis or ulcer disease. If symptoms suggest these conditions, a clinician may advise GP review, testing or a different treatment pathway.

What is lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid. It may be considered for suitable patients with acid reflux, heartburn or acid-related indigestion after clinical screening.

Can I get lansoprazole through I-Prescribe?

Lansoprazole may be supplied where clinically appropriate after an online consultation. Supply depends on your symptoms, medical history, current medicines, allergies and whether further assessment is needed.

How do I take lansoprazole for reflux?

Take lansoprazole exactly as directed. It is commonly taken before food, but the exact timing and dose should follow the instructions supplied with your medicine.

Is lansoprazole stronger than omeprazole?

Neither is automatically stronger or better for everyone. The most suitable option depends on previous response, side effects, interactions, availability and clinical assessment.

Can lansoprazole interact with other medicines?

Yes. Lansoprazole can interact with some medicines, and acid reduction can affect absorption of certain treatments. Declare all prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements.

Can lansoprazole be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy or breastfeeding status should be declared during the consultation. The clinician will assess whether lansoprazole or another reflux treatment is suitable.

What are common lansoprazole side effects?

Common side effects can include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, wind, dizziness or rash. Seek advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning.

Can I switch from omeprazole to lansoprazole?

A switch may be possible after review, especially if symptoms are not controlled or side effects occur. You should not repeatedly switch or extend treatment without clinical advice.

Who may not be suitable for online acid reflux treatment?

Online treatment may not be suitable if you have red-flag symptoms, severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, anaemia, or new persistent symptoms that need GP assessment.

When should I seek urgent help for chest pain?

Seek urgent medical help for chest pain that is severe, new, crushing, associated with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, back or shoulder.

What if I have difficulty swallowing?

Difficulty swallowing or food sticking should be assessed by a GP urgently. Online reflux treatment may not be appropriate until this has been reviewed.

What if I vomit blood or have black stools?

Vomiting blood or passing black stools can suggest bleeding in the gut and needs urgent medical assessment. Do not rely on online reflux treatment for these symptoms.

What if I have unexplained weight loss?

Unexplained weight loss with reflux, indigestion or swallowing symptoms should be reviewed by a GP. It may indicate a condition that needs investigation.

Can reflux medicine hide serious symptoms?

Acid-reducing medicines can improve symptoms but may also delay recognition of other causes of indigestion or reflux-like symptoms. Persistent, changing or red-flag symptoms should be assessed.

Can I take reflux medicine if I have liver disease?

Liver disease can affect medicine choice and suitability. Declare liver problems, abnormal liver tests or specialist care during the consultation.

Can I take reflux medicine if I have kidney disease?

Kidney disease should be declared during the consultation. Although PPIs are commonly used, kidney history and other medicines may affect suitability and monitoring.

Can reflux medicine interact with HIV medicines or antifungals?

Some medicines need stomach acid for absorption or can interact with PPIs. Declare HIV medicines, antifungals, cancer medicines, epilepsy medicines and all other regular treatments.

Can I take reflux medicine with methotrexate?

Methotrexate should be declared during the consultation. PPIs can be clinically relevant with some methotrexate regimens, especially higher-dose treatment, and may need specialist or GP review.