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WHAT IS GORD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD, is a digestive disease characterised by chronic acid reflux.

GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD, is a digestive disease characterised by chronic acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

 People of all ages can be affected by GORD, including children.1,2

Man sitting in kitchen grimaces as he gestures toward throat.

SYMPTOMS OF GORD

GORD is typically a very treatable disease, but many people don't know they have it because its symptoms are associated with numerous other conditions.

Common symptoms of GORD include:3,4

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

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, consult 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 can increase your risk for serious health complications, including Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.5 About 26.5% of GORD patients will eventually develop Barrett’s oesophagus.6

Graphic showing that up to 26.5% of those with chronic GERD may develop Barrett's esophagus.

TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS

GORD Symptom Tracker (.pdf)
If you suffer from chronic heartburn, acid reflux, or similar symptoms, you may have GORD. Use this resource to track your symptoms. Discuss the results with a gastroenterologist — so together you can take the first step towards treatment.

DOWNLOAD TRACKER

WHAT CAUSES ACID REFLUX?

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.7 The lower esophageal 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. 

HEALTHY STOMACH VS. STOMACH WITH GORD

Illustration of a healthy stomach in comparison to a stomach with GERD.
  1. Oesophagus
  2. A healthy, closed LOS valve keeping food and acid in the stomach 
  3. Stomach
  4. A weakened LOS valve allowing stomach acid into the oesophagus

Eating a large meal can cause the stomach to stretch out and temporarily weaken the LOS valve. Other factors that can weaken the LOS valve include:8

  • Obesity
  • Stress
  • Consuming particular foods, such as carbonation, spicy foods, or chocolate
  • Hiatal hernia

If you observe that your acid reflux only occurs after large meals or after eating certain foods, start by changing your eating habits. Eliminate trigger foods from your diet, eat smaller meals, and stay upright for two hours after eating. If your symptoms don’t improve, make an appointment with your doctor.

1

Okimoto E, Ishimura N, Morito Y, et al. Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, adults, and elderly in the same community. Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2015;30(7):1140-1146. doi:10.1111/jgh.12899.  – this is limited to Japan

2

Carroll MW, Jacobson K. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and adolescents: when and how to treat. Paediatric Drugs. 2012;14(2):79-89

3

GERD Symptoms: Typical and Atypical. http://www.gerdhelp.com/about-gerd/symptoms/. Accessed on January 4, 2017.

4

What are the symptoms of GER and GERD? https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes. Accessed on January 4, 2017.

5

Dymedex Market Development Consulting, Strategic Market Assessment, GERD, October 30, 2014. References 1-3, 6-15, 22, 23, 25, and 34 from the full citation list, access at http://www.medtronic.com/giclaims

6

Dymedex Market Development Consulting, GERD Sizing and Segmentation for pH Testing. February 13, 2015.

7

Kahrilas PJ. Clinical management: Refractory heartburn. Gastroenterology. 2003;124:1941-1945.

8

Vaezi M, Zehrai A, Yuksel E, Testing for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, ASGE Leading Edge, 2012 Vol 2, No 2, 1-13, American Society Gastroenterology Endoscopy, Page 1.