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Online GERD & heartburn treatment

Find fast relief and a personalised reflux plan. Consult a GP by secure video today.

Check circle Same-day video appointments for adults of all ages
Check circle Tailored e-prescription for PPIs or H2-blockers when clinically indicated
Check circle Expert diet & lifestyle guidance to tackle triggers and improve long-term outcomes
Online GERD & heartburn treatment

How it works: your online GERD treatment in 3 steps

From video assessment to personalised reflux plan – get expert care for acid reflux without leaving home.

How it works: your online GERD treatment in 3 steps
1
Select a doctor. Pick a GP or gastro specialist and book your same-day video slot.
2
Join your 30-min video visit. Share symptoms, history and any alarm signs – your doctor may start PPI/H2-blocker treatment.
3
Receive your reflux plan. Get a concise summary, diet & lifestyle tips, and an e-prescription to fill at your local pharmacy.

If you experience severe chest pain, relentless vomiting, difficulty swallowing or breathing, call 112 (EU) or your local emergency number immediately.

Book your GERD consult

GERD & heartburn doctors online

Select a GP or gastroenterologist and schedule your video consultation today.

5.0 (17)
Doctor

Anastasiia Shalko

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.

Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate
Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.

She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.

With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

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€50
5.0 (140)
Doctor

Yevgen Yakovenko

General surgery 12 years exp.

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

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€50
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Why choose online GERD & heartburn treatment?

Learn what causes reflux, when to seek help, available medical and lifestyle therapies, plus practical next steps for lasting relief.

What causes GERD?

What causes GERD?

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. While occasional reflux is normal, frequent episodes—more than twice a week—indicate disease rather than simple heartburn.

Common acid reflux triggers include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia and certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, calcium-channel blockers). Lifestyle factors such as large meals, late-night eating and stress can also weaken LES tone.

Risk factors extend beyond trigger foods: advancing age, high body mass index and conditions like hiatal hernia increase susceptibility. Addressing these heartburn causes through weight management and meal timing often reduces reflux frequency.

Recognising alarm signs

Recognising alarm signs

Alarm features—also known as red flags — suggest potential complications and require prompt medical evaluation. These include:

  • Progressive difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and painful swallowing (odynophagia)

  • Unintended weight loss (> 5 % over 6–12 months)

  • Persistent vomiting not explained by other causes

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools or blood in vomit) (source: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Guidelines)

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services (112 in the EU). For persistent reflux without red flags, your doctor may recommend endoscopy to check for esophagitis, strictures or Barrett’s esophagus.

Medical treatment options

Medical treatment options

Pharmacological management of GERD centers on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and alginate-based antacids. PPIs—such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole—are the first-line choice for healing erosive esophagitis and maintaining remission, thanks to their potent, long-lasting acid suppression . H2RAs (famotidine, nizatidine) have a faster onset but lower efficacy, making them suitable for mild or intermittent symptoms. Alginate suspensions (e.g., Gaviscon) create a physical barrier to prevent nocturnal reflux and provide rapid short-term relief alongside acid suppression.

In Europe, widely used PPIs include:


  • Omeprazole (Losec®, generics)

  • Esomeprazole (Nexium®)

  • Pantoprazole (Pantozol®, Protium®)

  • Lansoprazole (Lanzor®, Zoton®)

  • Rabeprazole (Pariet®)

Popular H2RAs and antacids include famotidine (Pepcid®), nizatidine, and alginate formulations like Gaviscon®. Your doctor will select the appropriate agent and dose—typically starting low (e.g., 20 mg omeprazole daily, 30–60 minutes before breakfast) and escalating only if symptoms persist.

Long-term therapy often requires step-down strategies once symptom control is achieved: this may involve switching from daily PPIs to on-demand H2RAs or alginates, combined with lifestyle modifications. Regular review ensures the lowest effective dose and minimizes potential PPI-associated risks, such as nutrient malabsorption.

Diet & lifestyle changes

Diet & lifestyle changes

Effective GERD management combines medication with targeted diet and lifestyle modifications. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods—such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and spicy or fatty meals—can significantly reduce reflux episodes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions also helps minimize stomach pressure and acid backflow.

Timing is equally critical: avoid lying down within 2–3 hours after eating, and consider raising the head of your bed by 10–15 cm to use gravity for acid control. Weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise is another key strategy, as a higher body mass index (BMI) correlates with increased gastroesophageal reflux episodes.

Additional lifestyle tips include: quitting smoking to improve LES function, limiting alcohol intake, and wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid abdominal compression. Stress-reduction techniques—such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises—can further decrease acid reflux triggers by reducing autonomic arousal.

Implementing these changes alongside your prescribed therapy enhances long-term heartburn relief and may allow gradual reduction of medication dosage once your symptoms are well-controlled.

Diagnosis & follow-up

Diagnosis & follow-up

Accurate diagnosis may require more than a video assessment. If you present alarm features or persistent symptoms despite therapy, your doctor may recommend upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) to evaluate esophagitis, strictures or Barrett’s esophagus. Alternatively, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring and esophageal manometry can quantify acid exposure and rule out motility disorders.

For most patients with typical reflux and no red flags, diagnosis is based on clinical history and response to an empirical PPI trial. A lack of adequate symptom relief after 8 weeks at a standard dose suggests the need for further testing or treatment adjustment.

After your initial assessment, follow-up is essential. European guidelines recommend a first review at 4 weeks to assess response and side effects, then every 3–6 months if long-term PPI therapy continues. During these check-ins, your doctor will decide whether to step down to on-demand therapy, switch to H2-blockers, or repeat diagnostics.

Patients love

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5.0
Solicité una receta exprés y todo el proceso fue rápido, sencillo y eficiente. La atención fue profesional y me sentí bien atendida en todo momento. Sin duda volveré a usar el servicio cuando lo necesite. ¡Gracias!
Estela Moran
Estela Moran
GB
5.0
Very fast and I received the medicines at a cheapest price ever. Never ever in my life I had it at such a cheap price. I even didn't know that I will get such a discount with prescription.
Anastasiia
Anastasiia
PT
5.0
I had a consultation and a prescription I needed the same day I requested the service – very smooth and pleasant experience.
Kateryna Koidan
Kateryna Koidan
PT
5.0
Easy and convenient. Was traveling in Spain as a tourist and got help and a prescription in a couple of hours. Strongly recommended
Jonathan
Jonathan
PT
5.0
Amazing service. Forgot to bring my antibiotics to Portugal and sent my diagnosis from my GP app. Had a prescription sent to my phone in Portugal within 15 minutes. Only cost €19. I would give more than 5 stars if I could.
debra durrington
debra durrington
GB
5.0
I had a problem with my skin and anxiety. I scheduled an appointment for the same day. I got a great consultation, I got all the recommendations I needed and all the help and even more. Thank you!
Anton Razvodov
Anton Razvodov
ES
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Your guide to healthcare in Spain

Practical information about the healthcare system, doctors and medical services in Spain.

Explore

Frequently asked questions about online GERD treatment

Get clear answers on booking, what to expect, treatment options, costs, e-prescriptions, follow-up care and when to seek emergency help.

How do I book an online GERD consultation?
On Oladoctor, choose between:

  • Express GP consultation for €39, lasting 15 minutes

  • Standard video visit with either a GP or gastroenterologist, duration 30 minutes, from €45

After selecting your option, pick a convenient time slot and complete payment. You’ll then receive a secure video link — no subscriptions, just the one-time fee for your chosen consultation.

What happens during a video GERD assessment?
In your online visit, the doctor reviews your symptoms and medical history, discusses dietary and lifestyle factors, and screens for alarm signs (e.g., weight loss, swallowing difficulty). If needed, they’ll initiate PPI or H2-blocker therapy and may order further tests. You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis summary and next-step plan.
How quickly will I get relief from heartburn?
Most patients notice symptom reduction within 24–48 hours of starting PPIs, which inhibit gastric acid production. H2-blockers and antacids can bring relief within 30–60 minutes but are best used alongside PPIs for lasting control. Diet and lifestyle adjustments may take 1–2 weeks to fully impact reflux frequency.
Which reflux medications can I get with an e-prescription?
Your doctor can prescribe first-line proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—omeprazole (Losec®, generics), esomeprazole (Nexium®), pantoprazole (Pantozol®)—or H2-blockers like famotidine. They may also recommend alginate-based formulations (e.g., Gaviscon®) for rapid relief. All prescriptions are electronic and valid at your local pharmacy.
What are the common side effects of PPIs and H2-blockers?
PPIs can cause headache, diarrhea, nausea and—rarely—nutrient malabsorption with long-term use. H2-blockers may lead to dizziness, constipation or fatigue. These effects are generally mild and transient. Report severe or persistent symptoms—such as pronounced abdominal pain or allergic reactions—to your doctor immediately.
How do I get and fill my e-prescription?
After your consultation, you’ll find the e-prescription in your Oladoctor account and receive it by email.

  • Express GP consultation: the e-prescription is available immediately at the end of the 15-minute visit.

  • Online consultation with a doctor: you’ll receive the e-prescription within 24 hours of your session.

In most EU countries, the prescription is valid for 30 days; in Spain, 10 days. Simply present the code or PDF at your chosen pharmacy to collect your medication.

Do I need follow-up after starting treatment?
Yes. A 4-week review is recommended to assess symptom control and side effects. If you continue on PPIs, subsequent check-ins every 3–6 months help adjust doses or step down therapy. Book follow-up visits on Oladoctor as needed to maintain optimal treatment.
When should I seek emergency care for reflux symptoms?
Seek immediate medical attention or call 112 if you experience severe chest pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black stools, blood in vomit). These alarm signs may indicate complications requiring urgent in-person evaluation.
Will my insurance cover an online GERD consultation?
Coverage varies by country and plan. Most public health systems do not reimburse private telehealth visits, but some private insurers may cover part of the cost. If eligible, request an invoice to submit to your insurer.
Can diet and lifestyle changes alone control my reflux?
For mild cases, avoiding triggers (citrus, caffeine, fatty foods), eating smaller meals, waiting 2–3 hours before lying down, and elevating your head in bed can significantly reduce symptoms. However, many patients still require medication for consistent relief and healing.
What if I need an endoscopy or further testing?
If symptoms persist after an 8-week PPI trial or if you have alarm signs, your doctor may refer you for upper endoscopy, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring or esophageal manometry. These tests help diagnose esophagitis, strictures or motility disorders and guide long-term management.