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Gastrointestinal
GORD
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into the food pipe (oesophagus). This liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the oesophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur only in a few patients.
Signs and symptoms of GORD include acid reflux and heartburn. When these signs and symptoms occur more than twice each week or interfere with daily life, doctors term this GORD.
Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But for people with GORD, these remedies may offer only temporary relief. GORD is a chronic condition, once it begins, it is usually life-long.
SymptomsGORD signs and symptoms include:- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Dry cough
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Nausea – in some patients it may be frequent and may result in vomiting
CausesThe cause of GORD is complex, as many different causes may be operative in different individuals or even in the same individual at different times.
GORD can be caused by frequent acid reflux — the backup of stomach acid or bile into the oesophagus.
When you swallow, the lower oesophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your oesophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again.
However, if this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your oesophagus, causing frequent heartburn and disrupting your daily life. This constant backwash of acid can irritate the lining of your oesophagus, causing it to become inflamed (oesophagitis). Over time, the inflammation can erode the oesophagus, causing complications such as bleeding or breathing problems.
Hiatus hernias also contribute to reflux, although the way in which they contribute is not clear.
Risk FactorsConditions that can increase the risk of GORD include:- Obesity
- Hiatus hernia
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Dry mouth
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Lifestyle and Home RemediesThe following lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of heartburn:- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Avoid foods that trigger heartburn
- Don't lie down after a meal
- Elevate the head of your bed
- Don't smoke
Treatments and MedicationOver-the-counter treatments may help control heartburn, these include:- Antacids that neutralise stomach acid
- Medications to reduce acid production
- Medications that block acid production and heal the oesophagus
Contact your doctor to ask about prescription strength medications if the above don't seem to be helping after a few weeks.
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