What is GORD?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) happens when stomach acid leaks from your stomach and moves up into your oesophagus (food pipe). This is also known as ‘reflux’ or ‘acid reflux’.

Almost everyone gets heartburn due to acid reflux from time to time. GORD is when reflux occurs more than twice a week. It can eventually lead to more serious health problems and impact your wellbeing and quality of life.

GORD can affect everyone, even children, but mostly affects people aged over 40 years.

Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) may just be an occasional nuisance for some people. But for others, GORD can be a severe, lifelong problem.

Symptoms of GORD can include:

• heartburn (an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating)
• acid reflux (where stomach acid comes back up into yourmouth and causes an unpleasant, sour taste) oesophagitis (a sore, inflamed oesophagus)
• bad breath
• bloating and belching
• feeling or being sick
• pain when swallowing and/or difficulty in swallowing
• a sore throat and hoarseness
• a persistent cough or wheezing, which may be worse in the evening tooth decay (external link opens in a new window / tab) and gum disease.

Treatments for GORD

You can often control the symptoms of GORD by making some lifestyle changes and taking over-the-counter medication. You
don’t necessarily need to see your GP if you only have symptoms occasionally. Ask your pharmacist for advice on treatments.

The main treatments for GORD are:

• self-help measures – this includes eating smaller but more frequent meals, avoiding any foods or drinks that trigger your symptoms, raising the head of your bed, and keeping to a healthy weight
• over-the-counter medicines – ask your pharmacist for advice
• stronger prescription medicines – if necessary, your GP will discuss any medication with you

You may only need to take medication when you experience symptoms, although long-term treatment may be needed if the problem continues. Surgery to stop stomach acid leaking into your oesophagus may be recommended if your symptoms are
not controlled by medication. In such circumstances you will usually discuss the treatment options with a specialist to agree
the best option for you.

PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION.