Reflux & GORD in Brisbane
Expert assessment and management of persistent acid reflux and GORD by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, with gastroscopy where needed and a clear pathway to specialist anti-reflux care, across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
Reflux, GORD and hiatus hernia
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — commonly called acid reflux — happens when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation, inflammation and discomfort. Occasional heartburn is normal; persistent or severe reflux deserves proper assessment.
Dr Goutham provides comprehensive assessment and management of reflux and GORD, arranges the right investigations (including gastroscopy when needed), and coordinates a clear pathway to specialist anti-reflux surgical care when it is indicated. The goal is lasting symptom control and protection of the oesophagus from the complications of long-standing reflux.
What causes reflux?
GORD develops when the body's natural anti-reflux barrier weakens, allowing acid to rise into the oesophagus. The lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) — a muscular valve that normally keeps acid down — can lose function because of:
- Hiatus hernia — part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm, weakening the LOS.
- Oesophageal dysmotility — the oesophagus clears acid less effectively.
- Obesity and raised abdominal pressure — push acid upward.
- Diet and lifestyle — smoking, excess alcohol, large or fatty meals, caffeine and late eating.
- Pregnancy — hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach.
Symptoms of reflux
Typical symptoms
Heartburn (a burning behind the breastbone, worse after meals or lying down), regurgitation of a sour or bitter fluid, and difficulty or discomfort swallowing.
Atypical symptoms
Chest discomfort, a chronic cough, hoarseness or throat clearing, a sensation of a lump in the throat, worsening asthma, and dental erosion.
Untreated long-term reflux can lead to oesophagitis or Barrett oesophagus (a pre-cancerous change), so persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than simply endured.
Diagnosis and tests
Reflux is often diagnosed from the symptom pattern and a trial of treatment, but investigations are recommended when symptoms are persistent, severe or have warning features:
- Gastroscopy — examines the oesophagus and stomach, looks for inflammation, hiatus hernia or Barrett oesophagus, and allows biopsies. Learn about gastroscopy →
- 24-hour pH and impedance study — measures acid (and non-acid) reflux over a day.
- Oesophageal manometry — assesses how well the oesophagus and valve are working, particularly before any surgery.
Management of reflux and GORD
For most people, reflux is well controlled with lifestyle and medication:
- Lifestyle changes — reaching a healthy weight, smaller meals, not eating late, raising the head of the bed, and reducing alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
- Dietary adjustments — limiting fatty, spicy and acidic trigger foods.
- Medications — proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and other acid-reducing medicines to relieve symptoms and allow the oesophagus to heal.
When surgery is considered
Lifestyle and medication help most people but do not correct underlying anatomical problems such as a significant hiatus hernia or a weak valve. Where symptoms persist despite proper medical therapy, where medication is not tolerated, or where complications develop, anti-reflux or hiatus-hernia surgery may be appropriate. In these cases Dr Goutham assesses you, arranges the necessary tests, and coordinates the appropriate upper-GI surgical pathway so you are looked after by the right specialist for that procedure.
When to seek specialist care
It is worth seeking assessment if you have severe reflux that persists despite medication, frequent regurgitation affecting sleep and daily life, difficulty swallowing, unexplained chest pain, a chronic cough or worsening asthma, or any warning signs such as weight loss, anaemia or vomiting blood — the last of which needs urgent attention.
Clear assessment, lasting relief
- ✓Comprehensive assessment — typical and atypical reflux evaluated thoroughly.
- ✓The right investigations — gastroscopy and reflux testing when needed.
- ✓Evidence-based management — lifestyle, dietary and medical therapy.
- ✓Clear surgical pathway — coordinated specialist anti-reflux care where indicated.
- ✓Care close to home — Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
Reflux & GORD FAQs
When is reflux serious enough to need a specialist?+
If symptoms persist despite medication, cause difficulty swallowing or frequent regurgitation, or there are warning signs such as weight loss or anaemia, specialist assessment is recommended.
Can reflux be cured with medication alone?+
PPIs and lifestyle changes control symptoms for many people, but they do not fix underlying problems such as a hiatus hernia or a weak valve. Persistent cases may need a surgical opinion.
What are the risks of untreated GORD?+
Long-term untreated reflux can cause oesophagitis and Barrett oesophagus, a pre-cancerous change, so ongoing symptoms should be assessed rather than ignored.
Will I need a gastroscopy?+
Not everyone does. It is recommended when symptoms are persistent or severe, when there are warning signs, or to check for a hiatus hernia or Barrett oesophagus before considering further treatment.
What is a hiatus hernia?+
It is where part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the chest, weakening the anti-reflux valve and contributing to GORD. It is found on gastroscopy or imaging.
Does Dr Goutham perform anti-reflux surgery?+
Dr Goutham focuses on assessment and management of reflux and arranges the right tests. Where anti-reflux or hiatus-hernia surgery is indicated, he coordinates the appropriate upper-GI surgical pathway for you.
What lifestyle changes help reflux the most?+
Reaching a healthy weight, eating smaller meals, not eating within a few hours of bed, raising the head of the bed, and cutting back on alcohol, caffeine and smoking all make a real difference.
Can children or pregnant women get reflux?+
Reflux is common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach, and usually settles afterwards. Persistent reflux at any age should be assessed.
Caring for South-East Queensland
Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan — care close to home, wherever you are in South-East Queensland.
Trusted resources
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — June 2026.
Get lasting relief from acid reflux
Book an assessment with Dr Goutham for a tailored plan — from lifestyle and medication through to a clear surgical pathway if needed.