Gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common digestive disorder where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus.
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Gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) is a common digestive disorder that is closely related to acid reflux; however, the two conditions are not the same.
Acid reflux is the backflow of gastric acids and bile from the stomach up into the oesophagus (food pipe). The main symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. This is a burning sensation in the chest. Many people experience heartburn incidentally, after eating certain foods, lying down or bending over. In most cases, acid reflux can be treated with over-the-counter, pharmacy medicines.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) is the chronic (long-term) form of acid reflux and is a more serious condition. GORD is diagnosed when acid reflux happens more than twice a week or causes inflammation in the oesophagus (oesophagitis).
GORD is more common in older people, and it is slightly more common in women compared to men. However, it can affect anyone of any age and any ethnic origin.
Complications of GORD
If GORD is left untreated, it can lead to certain healthcare complications over time. So, this digestive condition requires accurate diagnosis and management from qualified gastro-intestinal specialists.
Complications of GORD can include
Around 10 to 15 percent of people with GORD will develop Barrett’s oesophagus, which is a digestive condition that increases the risk for a type of oesophageal cancer known as adenocarcinoma.
In many cases, there’s no clear cause for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Most cases of GORD appear to be due to a problem with the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The LOS is a circular band of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus.
When you swallow, the LOS normally relaxes, to allow food and drink to flow into the stomach. The sphincter then closes again. However, if the sphincter weakens or does not work properly, then stomach acid can flow back up into your oesophagus to cause GORD symptoms.
Common causes of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) include:
Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of GORD include:
If you experience GORD and acid reflux at night, you may develop a cough, laryngitis and/or disrupted sleep. If you have asthma and GORD, your asthma symptoms may become worse.
Your gastro-intestinal specialist may be able to diagnose GORD based on a physical examination and a medical history of your symptoms. However, in most cases, symptoms alone are not enough, and testing is required for conclusive diagnosis, and to check for complications of GORD. These tests include:
Other tests include heart tracings, chest X-rays or X-ray tests where you are asked to swallow a special dye, may be done to rule out other conditions if the symptoms are not typical.
GORD treatment is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Our doctors will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and monitor your progress
Lifestyle Changes
The first step in treating mild-to-moderate GORD symptoms is lifestyle changes. Your consultant will recommend changes based on personal factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Lifestyle changes to reduce the symptoms of GORD include:
Over-the-counter Medication
For moderate to severe GORD symptoms, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medicines based on whether or not acid reflux has damaged your oesophagus. Over the counter medicines include:
Prescription Medication
Two main groups of prescription medicines are used to treat GORD:
Surgery
Surgery is only required for a small number of people with GORD. This includes those people with severe symptoms, or whose symptoms are not relieved adequately with medicines, or who don’t want to take long-term medicines. The standard surgical treatment for GORD is:
Other surgical procedures to reduce or suppress gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are currently being investigated. Your gastroenterologist at Welbeck Private Digestive Health Clinic will discuss with you your options.
Can GORD be cured?
GORD is a chronic condition, which can be managed by qualified healthcare professionals through a combination of recommended lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines and/or surgery. Speak to our specialists for more information.
How long will I need to take GORD treatments for?
For mild GORD symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you use the following medicines: antacids, alginic acid/antacids combinations, or H2 blockers, as needed. This means that you can use them whenever symptoms start or before symptoms occur.
Long-term treatment may be needed for people who have more severe symptoms of GORD, greater damage to the oesophageal tissues, or whose symptoms return as soon as medication is stopped often need ongoing treatment to control and relieve symptoms.
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Causes
Obesity, smoking, low exercise, alcohol, stress,...
Symptoms
Heartburn, bad breath, regurgitation, chest pain...
Tests
Endoscopy (gastroscopy), oesophageal manometry, ...
Treatments
Lifestyle changes, medication, surgery
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