Acid Reflux & Heartburn: UK Online Doctor Guide
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Reflux is stomach acid going up the gullet, causing heartburn and a sour taste.
- Lifestyle changes (weight, late meals, alcohol, smoking) help significantly.
- PPIs like omeprazole are highly effective.
- Persistent symptoms over 4 weeks need GP review.
- Red flags (weight loss, swallowing problems, vomiting blood) need urgent assessment.
Symptoms
- Burning chest pain (heartburn)
- Sour or bitter taste in mouth
- Belching, bloating
- Worse after meals or lying flat
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
Self-care
- Eat smaller meals; avoid late dinners.
- Don't lie down within 3 hours of eating.
- Raise the head of the bed.
- Lose weight if overweight.
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine, spicy and fatty foods.
- Stop smoking.
Medication
- Antacids (Gaviscon) — quick relief.
- H2 blockers (famotidine).
- PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole) — first line for persistent symptoms. 4–8 week course.
- Long-term use needs review — risks of long-term PPI exist but are usually outweighed by benefits.
Red flags — when to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground vomit
- Persistent vomiting
- Anaemia
- Symptoms starting over age 55 (urgent endoscopy)
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (gord).
How an online doctor can help
Related articles
IBS: UK Online Doctor Diagnosis & Treatment Guide
Bloating, cramps, diarrhoea or constipation? Learn how UK GPs diagnose IBS and how to manage it with diet, medication and online doctor support.
Constipation: UK Online Doctor Treatment Guide
Infrequent or hard stools? Learn UK treatment with diet, fluids, laxatives and prescription options via an online doctor.
Diarrhoea: When to Worry & UK Online Doctor
Frequent loose stools? Learn UK self-care, when to use loperamide, when to see a doctor and red flags to watch.
This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
See a UK GP about this today
Same-day video or phone consultations with GMC-registered GPs. Prescriptions, sick notes and referrals when clinically appropriate.