Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move back into the oesophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. It can cause burning discomfort or a sour taste. Occasional reflux and persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are related, but the terms should not be treated as identical diagnoses. Healthdirect Australia: GORD (reflux)

Do not assume chest pain is reflux

Chest discomfort can have serious causes. If you have possible heart-attack symptoms, including chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain spreading elsewhere, call 000. If you are unsure whether it is heartburn or a heart problem, seek emergency help. Healthdirect Australia: GORD (reflux)

For a planned review, describe where the discomfort occurs and what it feels like. Explain any relationship to meals or lying down, but do not treat that pattern as proof that the heart is uninvolved. Mention changes from your usual symptoms.

Useful details for assessment

Tell the clinician how often symptoms occur, whether they wake you and what you have already tried. Difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools need medical attention; blood in vomit or black stools may require urgent care. Healthdirect Australia: GORD (reflux)

Keep a brief record of patterns rather than removing large groups of foods without a clear reason. Ask whether specific habits, meal timing or another health issue could be relevant. Individual advice is more useful than assuming everyone has the same trigger foods.

What happens next?

A doctor may discuss changes in habits, treatment or further investigation depending on the history. The choice is not determined by whether you used the word reflux or heartburn in the booking form. Ask when persistent or recurring symptoms should be reassessed.

Doccio's reflux consultations provide a pathway for non-emergency assessment. A doctor decides whether remote care is appropriate. Bring information about regular medicines and earlier investigations so the conversation can address your current situation rather than simply repeat an old label without reviewing what has changed.