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ABOUT THE CONDITION

What is GORD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (oesophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your oesophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GORD.​

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GORD Symptoms​

Common symptoms of GORD include:1​

  • Chronic heartburn​
  • Regurgitation​
  • Chest pain or discomfort​
  • Chronic cough, sore throat, and/or hoarseness​
  • Sleep disturbances and night time symptoms​
  • Belching, gas, and bloating​
  • Nausea​
  • Intolerance of certain foods​
  • Sour taste in the back of the mouth​
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Causes

GORD Causes

There are several possible causes of acid reflux. However, it is most commonly the result of a poorly functioning lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), the valve between the oesophagus and stomach.1 The lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) valve is designed to open only when you swallow to allow food to pass into your stomach. The valve seals shut to block out stomach contents at all other times. Acid reflux occurs when the LOS valve is weakened or doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to rise into the oesophagus. 

It’s normal to experience reflux symptoms every now and then, especially after a large meal. Acid reflux is considered GORD if symptoms occur at least twice per week or moderate to severe symptoms occur once a week. To know for sure if these are symptoms of GORD, speak to your GP about a referral to a gastroenterologist (GI). A GI can perform diagnostic testing. Reflux testing is the most accurate way to determine if you have GORD. When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, chronic GORD may increase your risk for serious health complications, including Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.2  Up to 14% of GORD patients will eventually develop Barrett’s oesophagus.2

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GORD diagnosis options

Testing by a gastroenterologist (GI) can determine whether your symptoms are caused by GORD.

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Treatment options

Reflux heroes game

Play our reflux heroes game to test your knowledge!

1 GORD, Gastromedicine and Endoscopy, Melbourne Australia. Available at: https://www.gastromedicine.com.au/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord/

2 Lauren B. Gerson, Katerina Shetler, George Triadafilopoulos, Prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in asymptomatic individuals, Gastroenterology, Volume 123 Issue 2, 2002, Pages 461-467.