Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

GORD is a term used to describe a range of symptoms including acid reflux (with or without pain), heartburn and oesophagitis

Acid Reflux (Heartburn)

Also known as heart burn this happens when stomach contents (containing acid and enzymes) come back up into the oesophagus some of which may reach the mouth or be sensed in the back of the throat.

This irritates the lining of the oesophagus causing pain and repeated attacks may cause inflammation known as oesophagitis. If it becomes chronic the oesophagus can become inflamed and lead to what’s known as ‘Barret’s Oesophagus’

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

·       Burning pain in the chest or between shoulder blades

·       Sour tasting acid coming back up into the mouth

·       Other symptoms may include hoarseness or a stubborn cough

Causes of Acid Reflux

·       Weakness of the muscle at the junction of the stomach and oesophagus

·       Hiatus hernia

·       Being overweight or pregnant can increase abdominal pressure and push acid back up

·       Having large meals can also increase abdominal pressure

·       Stress

Management of Acid Reflux through Diet and Lifestyle

·       Weight loss where appropriate

·       Eating smaller meals more often

·       Chewing food well

·       Limit caffeine, alcohol, spicey, high fat foods

·       Avoid eating late at night

·       Smoking cessation

·       Sleeping in a semi-upright position or with head raised a few inches to prevent nocturnal symptoms of reflux

·       Fizzy drinks are also key players as carbon dioxide forms acid and the bubbles then create pressure in the stomach forcing acid up into the oesophagus

·       Use a food and symptom diary to identify patterns/triggers