Heartburn and acid reflux treatment online
Burning behind your breastbone or an acid taste after meals? Check whether typical heartburn or reflux can be treated online. Quinn checks for warning signs like swallowing trouble or bleeding first — if it fits, a clinician can prescribe acid-suppressing medicine.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- For typical reflux, a clinician can recommend practical changes and may prescribe acid-lowering medicine
- Trouble swallowing, bleeding, weight loss, an unusual pattern or failed treatment needs further assessment
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- The symptoms follow a typical adult heartburn or reflux pattern
- There is no trouble swallowing, bleeding, weight loss, persistent vomiting or concerning chest-pain pattern
Use another service first if…
- Chest pain with breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw
- Difficulty or pain swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, persistent vomiting or unexplained weight loss
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Call 111 now if you…
- get chest pain spreading to your arm or jaw
- get breathlessness along with these symptoms
See a doctor today if you…
- vomit blood
- pass black or tarry stools
- cannot swallow fluids
- have persistent vomiting
- have unintentional weight loss
See your GP if you…
- find food sticking more and more, or pain when swallowing
- have symptoms that persist or come back after finishing a full treatment course
About heartburn or reflux
Reflux (heartburn) happens when acid or stomach contents move back up towards the food pipe. This often causes a burning feeling behind the breastbone, or an acid taste, especially after meals or when lying down. It's very common and usually improves with lifestyle changes plus treatment.
- Burning behind the breastbone or acid coming into the throat
- Symptoms linked to meals, trigger foods, bending or lying down
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Burning, acid taste, timing, triggers and effect on sleep or eating
- Chest symptoms, trouble or pain swallowing, vomiting, bleeding or weight loss
- Previous treatment, pregnancy, medicines and relevant stomach history
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take a prescribed reflux medicine?
Acid-suppressing medicine usually works best taken 30 to 60 minutes before food, usually before your first meal of the day. Follow the clinician's exact directions.
Can I use a fast-acting antacid alongside my main treatment?
Yes — a fast-acting antacid can be used alongside your main treatment for quick, as-needed relief.
Why does reflux happen more after meals or lying down?
A full stomach or lying flat makes it easier for acid to travel back up towards the food pipe. That's why symptoms are often worse after meals or at night.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.