Acid reflux treatment, reviewed and prescribed online

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux — also called heartburn or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) when it is persistent — happens when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). The result is a burning sensation in the chest or throat, often after eating, when lying down, or first thing in the morning.

Occasional reflux after a large or spicy meal is normal. It becomes worth treating when it happens regularly — more than twice a week — or when it is affecting your sleep, diet or daily life. Left unmanaged, persistent acid reflux can irritate the lining of the oesophagus over time, which is why proper treatment matters.

What causes acid reflux?

The most common cause is a weakening of the ring of muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus — the valve that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from travelling upward. Several factors make this more likely: excess body weight pressing on the stomach, eating large meals or lying down shortly after eating, certain foods and drinks (fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods), smoking, pregnancy, and some medicines.

Some people develop a sliding hiatus hernia — where part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm — which can make reflux more persistent. This is more common over 50 and does not always cause symptoms, but when it does, reflux is often the main complaint.

How is acid reflux treated?

Prescription treatment for acid reflux works by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces, which relieves symptoms and allows any irritation to heal. Tablets that reduce stomach acid are typically taken once daily and are considerably more effective than over-the-counter antacids for persistent symptoms.

Alongside medication, lifestyle adjustments make a meaningful difference: eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down for two to three hours after eating, elevating the head of the bed, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, and stopping smoking if relevant. The prescriber will also check that no other medicines you take are contributing to your symptoms.

Treating acid reflux with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy on Stratford High Street. You complete a confidential questionnaire, a UK prescriber reviews your answers, and if prescription treatment is appropriate it is dispensed and delivered discreetly — or you can collect from our Stratford pharmacy. The consultation also screens for the red-flag symptoms that need more urgent GP assessment, so you get the right level of care.

How the online consultation works for acid reflux

The consultation takes around five minutes. You will describe your symptoms, how long they have been happening, and how often. We ask about red-flag symptoms — difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting — so the prescriber can identify anyone who needs a face-to-face assessment first. You will also tell us about any other medicines you take and any allergies.

If the prescriber is satisfied that treatment is safe and appropriate, your prescription is issued and your order dispatched. If there is any concern, they will contact you or refer you to your GP.

When to see your GP instead

Book an urgent GP appointment — do not use this online service — if you have difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, frequent or persistent vomiting, blood in your vomit, or dark tarry stools. These are warning signs that need prompt investigation. Also see your GP if you are over 55 and have new onset of persistent reflux that has not been investigated, if your symptoms have not improved with prescription acid-reducing treatment, or if you have had a recent unexplained change in your bowel habit alongside your reflux symptoms.