Heartburn and reflux symptoms can vary in severity and may occassionally be associated with other underlying health conditions.

If symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, associated with difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, blood in vomit or black stools, urgent medical assessment may be required.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent care, please contact the pharmacy prior to attending so our team can provide guidance on appropriate next steps where required.

A range of factors may contribute to heartburn or reflux symptoms, including:

• Certain foods or drinks
• Large meals
• Eating to close to bedtime
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Some medications
• Pregnancy
• Lifestyle or dietary factors

Our pharmacists can discuss possible contributing factors and appropriate lifestyle considerstaions during your consultation.

Following assessment, pharmacists may discuss suitable management options for eligible patients where appropriate under current Queensland practice guidelines.

Management options may include:

• Lifestyle and dietary considerations
• Symptom management advice
• Over-the-counter products
• Pharmacist-only medicines where appropriate
• Guidance on reducing potential symptom triggers
• Referral to a medical practitioner where additional medical assessment is required

Recommendations are based on individual circumstances and suitability.

Consultations may be suitable for eligible patients experiencing mild heartburn or reflux symptoms.

Eligiblilty may depend on:

• Age
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Severity and duration of symptoms

Referral to a medical practitioner or emergency care provider may be recommended where symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent or outside current pharmacist practice guidelines.

Heartburn and reflux symptoms can have a range of causes and may affect people differently.

Our pharmacists can provide guidance on symptom management, lifestyle considerations and appropriate referral pathways where required.

What symptoms may occur with heartburn or reflux?

Symptoms may include burning discomfort in the chest or throat, bloating, sour taste in the mouth or discomfort after eating.

Can lifestyle or dietary factors contribute to reflux symptoms?

Some foods, drinks, meal timing and lifestyle factors may contribute to heartburn or reflux symptoms in some individuals.

Can pharmacists discuss management options for heartburn or reflux symptoms?

Following assessment, pharmacists may discuss suitable management options for eligible patients where appropriate under current Queensland practice guidelines.

When should I seek urgent medical attention?

Urgent medical assessment may be required if symptom are severe, persistent or associated with chest pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, blood in vomit or black stools.

Will I be referred to a doctor if required?

Yes. Referral to a medical practitioner or emergency care provider may be recommended where symptoms require additional medical assessment or fall outside current pharmacist practice guidelines.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are recommended to allow sufficient time for assessment and discussion.

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