Patient information from BMJ

GERD: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:May 23, 2025

If you get heartburn and acid reflux regularly, you may be diagnosed with a condition called gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Here are some questions that you might want to ask your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with GERD:

How do you know that I have GERD? Do I need any tests?
Why do I have GERD? What causes it?
Do I need to take a prescription medication to treat GERD?
How often should I take my pills?
Do the pills have any side effects?
How long will I need to take the pills for?
Will I still need to take pills once I stop having symptoms?
How likely is it that GERD will get better on its own?
What can happen if I don't get treatment?
Are there any changes I should make in my life that might help ease my symptoms? Are there things I should avoid?
Are there any other options for me besides taking medications?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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