What is Heartburn or GERD?

What are the Symptoms of Heartburn or GERD?

胃灼热或胃食管反流病的症状是什么?

Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is not a disease but a symptom of burning discomfort in your chest, usually associated with an acid taste in the mouth. It is also referred to as indigestion or dyspepsia and is associated with drinking and eating.

What causes heartburn?

It is caused by the reflux of the acid contents of the stomach back up the oesophagus (gullet) and sometimes into the throat. It may be caused by a ring of muscle at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach does not close fully, and may be associated with a hiatus hernia.

Factors that bring it on are:

·       Particular foods (e.g. cabbage, onions, cucumber, curries, pastries – especially pies and pasties, fruit cake)

·       Certain drinks (e.g. wine- especially red wine, beer carbonated drinks, coffee)

·       Eating too fast

·       Rich or big meals

·       Chewing gum long and hard

·       Stress and anxiety

·       Pregnancy

·       Old age

·       Certain drugs (e.g. antirheumatism drugs, aspirin)

·       Obesity (a common factor)

What tests are done?

Tests may not be necessary, but if it persists or your doctor is concerned about an ulcer, X-rays may be taken or a tube called a gastroscope may be passed down into the stomach to inspect it.

How can it be prevented?

Don’ts

·       Bolt your food down

·       Eat standing up

·       Smoke

·       Eat fatty foods (e.g. pastries)

·       Eat spicy foods

·       Eat large or rich meals

·       Bend over for work

·       Strain at toilet

·       Drink wine with meals

·       Eat foods that ‘ burn’

·       Drink coffee or alcohol late at night

Dos - Heartburn Remedies (The GERD Diet)

·       Eat in a slow and relaxed manner

·       Eat sitting down

·       Avoid foods that ‘burn’

·       Eat small or moderate meals

·       Squat rather than bend

·       Keep your bowels regular

·       Avoid stress : relax!

·       Reduce your alcohol intake


Gastrointestinal Tract Absorption of Nutrients


What is the Treatment for GERD?

·       Attending to the above preventive advice can bring heartburn relief

·       Learn what brings on your heartburn and deal with it

·       Take antacids when you feel your heartburn coming on and before bed at night.

·       Make sure that you get to your ideal weight, should you be overweight

·       Your doctor may prescribe other medicine to help

Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.


Diarrhea Treatment, Learn what is Gastroenteritis, Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Heartburn or GERD

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Latest Influenza Vaccines (Protects against Flu and H1N1 Viruses)

Make your Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661


Pain Relief Treatment, Therapy & Management


Gastro-oesophageal Reflux or heartburn can also occur in children, causing abdominal pain.

儿童也可能发生胃食管反流或胃灼热,导致腹痛。

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Latest Influenza Vaccine

Asymptomatic patients may display no symptoms of illness. Vulnerable people should get vaccinated against Influenza which protects susceptible people from, as well as exclude the Flu and H1N1 viruses should they start to show URTI or ARI symptoms.

a. Vaccination decreases the risk of co-infection with COVID-19.

b. Vaccination reduces the burden of respiratory illnesses in the healthcare system.

The latest Influenza Vaccine is now available. It protects against the Flu and H1N1 Viruses. Ministry of Health Safety protocols are adhered to at all times for the safe vaccination of you and your family.

* Importance of Keeping your Vaccinations Up-to-date


Healthy Aging 健康老龄化

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Co-infection of COVID-19 with other infectious diseases is possible

Reduce your risk of getting sick with COVID-19

  • Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. People older than 65 years, and those with many underlying conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised or with significant liver disease, are recommended to receive vaccinations against Influenza and pneumococcal disease (PCV). Click here for Vaccination schedules (NAIS/NCIS).
  • Do not delay getting medical care for your underlying condition because of COVID-19. MD International Medical Centre has contingency MOH infection prevention protocols to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care for your underlying condition.
  • Continue your medications and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your doctor.
  • Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your chronic disease medications.
  • Call MDIMC @ Tel: 6694 1661 for a medical appointment if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick. Our clinic is a PHPC-accredited medical clinic. Under the MOH Swab & Go Home programme, our doctors can do a COVID-19 PCR Swab test if you meet the MOH medical crtieria.

NAIS & NCIS - Singapore is free from vaccine-preventable diseases like poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) because of our successful immunisation progamme.

National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) Singapore @ MD International Medical Centre. Make your vaccination appointment at Tel: 6694 1661.

Up to $400 per Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Adult & Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella).



MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services available:

  • General Practice Family Medicine - Illnesses & Infections
  • Minor Surgical Procedures
  • IV Infusion of Medications
  • Respiratory Medicine - Influenza, Colds, Cough, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), Sinus Infection
  • Treatment of Gastric issues, Stomach aches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn
  • Infectious diseases & Virology - COVID-19, Dengue, Flu, Hepatitis B etc
  • Dermatology - Skin Problems (Eczema, Acne, Rash, Boils, Dermatitis, Pigmented or Dry Skin, Moles /Skin Tags /Wart Removal)
  • Dermoscopy - Non-invasive Detection of Skin Cancer, Pubic lice & Scabies
  • Treatment of Insect Bites & Stings
  • Look Younger - Botox injections
  • Eye Health / Ophthalmology - Conjunctivitis, Foreign body in the Eye etc
  • Respiratory Medicine - Cough, Wheezing, Shortness of breath
  • Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) - Ear Wax Removal, Ear Otitis Enterna, Nose Bleed-Epistaxis, Snoring & Sleep Apnoea, Vertigo & Dizziness, Audiogram (Hearing test)
  • Pain Management, Treatment & Therapy - Arthritis, Back & Joint Pain, Migraine, Gout
  • Sports Medicine - Treatment of Sports Injuries
  • Vaccinations / Immunization - Latest Flu vaccine, Sinopharm COVID Vaccine & Booster
  • Travel Health - Travel Vaccinations & Health checks, Travellers' Diarrhoea
  • Allergy tests / Allergic Rhinitis / Asthma Management
  • Health Screening / Blood tests
  • Management of Chronic Diseases - Treating Prediabetes, Diabetes & Insulin Resistance / Hypertension
  • Heart Health - ECG Heart monitoring / High Cholesterol management / Chest pains
  • Executive Health Assessment - Pre-Employment check-up / Work Permit / Employment Pass / Employment Pass
  • Student Pass / Driving License Check-up
  • Personal Health Management - Preventative Medicine & Disease Prevention
  • Elderly / Senior Health
  • Men's Health - Erectile Dysfunction medications etc
  • Women's Health- Osteoporosis, Heavy Periods, Breast lumps, Urinary Tract Infection, Anaemia, Tremors
  • Child Health & Nutrition / Paediatrics
  • Obesity / Weight control & Safe Weight loss / Nutrition & Diet
  • Depression / Anxiety / Insomnia & Stress Management
  • Erectile Dysfunction medications / Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

Public Health Preparedness Clinic

National University Health System Primary Care Network

Singapore Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.

Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.

MD International Medical Centre / MD International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

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9 Taman Serasi #01-11, Botanic Gardens View

Tel : 65-6694-1661  Fax : 65-6694 1771

Email : contact@mdimc.sg

Clinic hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am-12.30pm / 2pm-6.30pm    Saturday: 9.30am-1pm

*Last registration is 30mins before the closing time

Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

- Cashless service with most International Insurance companies and Insurance Medical cards are accepted

- Japanese, English & Mandarin-speaking Doctors and Medical staff

Please contact us at Tel: 6694 1661 to make an appointment.

Please make an appointment for the following at Tel: 6694 1661:

* Minor Surgical Procedure

* Health Screening / Blood Test

* Dermatology Treatment

* Allergy Testing

* Pain Treatment & Therapy

* Vaccination

* Pre-Departure PCR Swab Test / Serology Testing

  • 小型外科手术
  • 健康检查/验血
  • 皮肤科治疗
  • 过敏测试
  • 疼痛管理与治疗
  • 疫苗接种
  • 出发前 PCR 拭子检测
  • 血清学检测

OUR MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Don Lau – Medical Director

MBBS (Monash), B Med Sc (Hons) (Monash), Dip Pract Derm (Wales, UK)

Fujiwara Takanori

The Chiropractic Association Singapore, Japan Chiropractic Register, American Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association

Physiotherapy-trained NBCE The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

YAMAGATA Chihiro 山懸千尋

Registered Psychologist


MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services

Minor Surgical Procedures :

·       Injection for Supraspinatus or Bicipital Tendonitis / Epicondylitis / Trigger finger / Plantar Fasciitis

·       Tendon Sheath Injection

·       Excision of small Skin tumours / Lipomas / Nail bed / Ear lobe cysts / Meibomian cyst

·       Removal of Skin sutures / Skin tags / Sebaceous cysts / Various foreign bodies / Corneal foreign body

·       Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

·       Treatment of Plantar Warts / Calluses / Corns / Ganglions

·       Splinters under nails

·       Olecranon and Pre-patellar Bursitis

·       Ear syringing

·       Embedded earring stud


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