Questions to ask about indigestion and reflux

Information for the public

These questions may help you discuss your condition or the treatments you have been offered with your healthcare team.

Can you tell me more about indigestion, heartburn and reflux?
What will happen to my symptoms as time goes on?
What can I do to help myself?
What tests might I need?
What do the different tests involve?
Where will these be carried out? Will I need to have them in hospital?
How long will I have to wait until I have these tests?
How long will it take to get the results of these tests?
Will I need an operation?
There's a history of oesophageal or stomach cancer in my family. Should I be worried?
Can you tell me more about Barrett's oesophagus and its risks?

Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me this treatment?
What are the pros and cons of this treatment?
How will it help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?
When do I need to take the treatment?
How long will it take to have an effect?
What if the treatment doesn't help?
Are there any risks associated with this treatment?
How long will I need to have this treatment for?
What other treatment options are there?
Should I be concerned that I'm taking antacids regularly?
Is there some other information (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to) about the treatment that I can have?

When should I start to feel better and what should I do if I don't start to feel better by then?
How often will my follow-up appointments be?
Are there different treatments that I could try?
Does the length or dose of my current treatment need to be changed?
How often should my treatment be reviewed?