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OESOPHAGEAL CONDITIONS

GORD FAQs

We want to support you during your journey with GORD by providing you information about tools, diagnostic options, and treatment options. Your next step toward relief is just a click away.

Treatment options

About GORD

What is GORD?

GORD stands for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. With GORD, stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the oesophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the oesophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms of GORD include chronic heartburn or burning pain in the chest, and regurgitation. Less common symptoms include chronic cough, sore throat, and hoarse voice.

Who is at risk?

The risk factors for GORD include obesity, hiatal hernia, smoking, pregnancy, scleroderma, and excessive alcohol consumption.1,2

How many people have GORD?

GORD affects between 15-20% of adults.3

Diagnosis and treatment of GORD?

How is GORD diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose GORD from your description of symptoms, but may also suggest tests to evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment plan. The three main tests used when GORD is suspected or known are oesophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, and manometry. With pH monitoring, your doctor measures the amount of acid in your oesophagus over a 24- to 96-hour period. Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a light and video camera on the end to visualise the oesophagus, and manometry assesses the function necessary for proper swallowing.

Are treatment options available? 

GORD may be treated with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods that trigger the disease. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines, like proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s), can lower the amount of acid released in your stomach. For patients who do not respond to lifestyle changes and medication, anti-reflux procedures may also be an option.

What happens if GORD is left untreated? 

One of the most significant risks of GORD is that it can lead to Barrett’s oesophagus, a precancerous disease where composition of the tissue lining the lower oesophagus changes. If untreated, Barrett’s oesophagus may progress to oesophageal cancer.3 Oesophageal cancer may not be curable depending on the stage at diagnosis and, once diagnosed, just 18% of patients live for five or more years.4

About treatment options for GORD

What is wireless pH capsule reflux testing?

Wireless pH Capsule reflux testing technology uses a small capsule to measure pH levels (acid content) in your oesophagus for up to 96 hours.1 This test also allows your gastroenterologist to measure the effect of PPI medication on pH levels and reflux symptoms.

What can I expect on the day of my procedure?

A small capsule, about the size of a gel cap, is temporarily attached to the wall of the oesophagus during an upper endoscopy. You are free to carry on with your daily routine whilst the capsule measures pH levels in the oesophagus and transmits readings to a receiver (about the size of a pager) worn on your belt or waistband. 

What is catheter based pH reflux testing?

The pH reflux testing system collects data through the length of your oesophagus and identifies different types of reflux events. Acid content in your oesophagus is measured and the length of reflux events are monitored. Insights gained from reflux testing help your physician choose an appropriate treatment option. 

What can I expect on the day of my procedure?

A catheter probe will be inserted into your oesophagus and is connected to a small recording device called a pH recorder. Throughout the test period, the reflux catheter will measure the pH in your oesophagus and transmit this information to the reflux recorder, worn on your belt or waistband for the 24 hour study duration. You are free to go about your normal activities during this time. 

What is high resolution manometry?

Oesophageal manometry is a test used to assess pressure and motor function of the oesophagus (food pipe). In addition, it aids in the evaluation of how well the muscles in the oesophagus work to transport liquids or food from your mouth into your stomach. It may be used in preoperative evaluation if you are being considered for anti-reflux surgery or to ensure proper placement of pH probes in other diagnostic tests.

What can I expect on the day of my procedure?

Your nose and throat may be numbed with a spray or gel to reduce any discomfort associated with the placement of the small catheter through your nose and into your stomach. During this time, you will be able to breathe, swallow and talk with ease. During the study you will be asked to take deep breaths or swallow a number of times. The pressures resulting from these actions will be detected and recorded by tiny sensors located on the catheter. 

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1 Diseases and Conditions–GORD: Risk factors. Mayo Clinic. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/GORD/basics/risk-factors/con-20025201.

2 MacGill M. Acid Reflux: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. Medicine News Today. 2015 July (updated 2015 July 22). Available from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619.php#causes.

3 Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). Reflux disease: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults. Victoria: GESA 2011.

4 SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets: Esophageal Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD,