Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD/GERD)
Also known as: reflux, GERD, GORD, heartburn, acid reflux
Reflux causes heartburn, regurgitation and sometimes a chronic cough or hoarse voice. Antacids and PPIs are standard care. Chinese medicine treats it as Tūn Suān with Stomach Heat, Liver Qi invading the Stomach, or Spleen deficiency patterns.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Lose excess weight and avoid tight waistbands — pressure drives reflux.
- •Stop eating 3 hours before bed and raise the head of the bed.
- •Cut back on coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty and spicy food.
- •PPIs work best taken 30–60 minutes before breakfast; review long-term use with the GP.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Swallowing difficulty, bleeding or weight loss must be investigated before any Chinese medicine care.[,]
- •Chest pain presentations rule out cardiac causes first.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Review every 4 weeks. Track heartburn days, night symptoms and trigger foods. Refer for gastroscopy if alarm features or symptoms persist despite 8 weeks of treatment.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- GESA · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.