HealthInfo Aoraki-South Canterbury
Acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion (GORD)
Heartburn (also called indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux) is very common – most people have it every now and then. It can be caused by some foods and drinks, eating a large meal, lying down after eating, and stress.
Regular heartburn, called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), can cause other health problems if it continues for a long time. Talk to your doctor about this.
Reflux can be caused by being overweight, smoking, pregnancy, having a hiatus hernia, and some medicines.
Medicines commonly prescribed to treat acid reflux include omeprazole, pantoprazole, and ranitidine.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Gastroenterological Society of Australia – Heartburn (reflux)
This page explains heartburn and reflux, which is also called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.
- Patient.info – Acid reflux and oesophagitis
Information about symptoms, causes, and tests. This page includes a diagram of the intestinal system and a video with advice on acid reflux and oesophagitis.
- Patient.info – Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
Information about causes of indigestion, such as non-ulcer dyspepsia, gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers) H.pylori, hiatus hernia, and medications. It also looks at various treatments.
Hiatus hernia
- Australia & New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association – Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia is when a part of your stomach slides up through your diaphragm into your chest. This can cause acid reflux.
On the next page: Eating and lifestyle when you have heartburn
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by GP liaison, Gastroenterology, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed July 2017.
See also:
Review key: HIARH-24342
