GORD (Gastro oesophageal reflux disease) has become a significant health concern. The condition develops when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus because of a weakened muscle ring at the gullet's bottom.
Most people with GORD experience heartburn and regurgitation. They often feel stomach acid or food coming back up into their mouth or throat. The condition can also cause asthma-like symptoms. Patients might develop chronic coughing, wheezing and struggle to breathe. Simple self-help measures and medication can control most cases. Left untreated, GORD may cause serious complications. Research shows that Barrett's oesophagus develops in about 1 in 10 GORD patients. Some of these cases can lead to oesophageal cancer.
What is a GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease)?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a long-term digestive disorder that causes stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus repeatedly. Nearly half of all adults experience GORD reflux symptoms now and then.
Symptoms of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease
People with GORD commonly experience heartburn, which feels like a burning sensation behind the sternum. They also often face regurgitation where stomach acid comes back up and leaves a sour taste. The condition can cause several other symptoms:
Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain (non-cardiac)
Hoarseness or voice changes
Feeling of a lump in the throat (globus)
If you have nighttime acid reflux you might experience:
Chronic cough
Wheezing
New or worsening asthma symptoms
Causes of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease
GORD develops when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong times. This ring-shaped muscle should prevent stomach contents from moving upward. The condition can worsen if food doesn't move through the stomach properly.
Risk Factors
The risk factors include:
Age
Obesity
Smoking habits
Certain medications like aspirin
Pregnancy
Hiatus hernia
Eating large meals
Late night snacking
Drinking too much alcohol or coffee
Eating fatty or fried foods
Complications of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease
GORD can cause serious complications without treatment. These include:
Esophagitis: GORD might cause inflammation of the tissue in the oesophagus, bleeding, and sometimes an ulcer.
Strictures: Continuous exposure to stomach acid in the lower oesophagus damages the area, leading to scar tissue formation. These scar tissues cause narrowing of the oesophagus and problems with swallowing.
Barrett's oesophagus: Barrett's oesophagus affects about 5-10% of patients and raises their cancer risk significantly.
Diagnosis
Doctors use several diagnostic methods to identify GORD in patients. They usually make their original diagnosis by looking at symptoms.
Doctors rely on several key diagnostic tools:
Endoscopy lets doctors get into your oesophagus and stomach using a flexible tube with a camera
pH monitoring measures the acid levels in your oesophagus throughout a 24-hour period
Manometry shows how your oesophageal muscles work
Barium swallow involves X-rays after you drink a barium solution that shows your digestive tract
Treatments
GORD treatment follows a systematic approach. Most patients respond positively to lifestyle changes combined with medication. Treatment options are:
Medications:
Antacids that neutralise stomach acid give immediate relief but can't repair tissue damage.
H2 blockers help reduce acid production.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work better at blocking acid production.
Surgical intervention: Surgical options exist for severe cases. Doctors often recommend:
Fundoplication - A procedure that wraps the stomach's upper portion around the lower oesophagus to create a stronger anti-reflux barrier.
LINX device - A small ring made of magnetic beads that sits at the stomach–oesophagus junction. The magnets keep the opening shut to stop acid reflux while still letting food move through.
Natural treatment for GORD:
Alkaline foods like bananas, melons, and oatmeal can help reduce symptoms.
Patients feel better when they eat smaller portions throughout the day rather than three large meals.
When to See a Doctor
You should get medical help if you experience:
Heartburn twice or more weekly even after changing your lifestyle
Unexpected weight loss
Problems with swallowing
A hoarse voice that won't go away
Prevention
Simple lifestyle changes make a big difference. These include:
Loose-fitting clothes around the waist help reduce stomach pressure.
The upper body should be elevated by 15-20 cm during sleep to keep acid from flowing up the oesophagus.
Managing your weight can ease the pressure that extra weight puts on your body. Excess weight particularly around the waist area, increases the likelihood of acid reflux.
Stress management through meditation or gentle yoga can reduce flare-ups because anxiety often makes GORD symptoms worse.
Cutting back on the trigger foods helps you avoid discomfort.
Quit smoking as smoking not only decreases the strength of the oesophageal valve but also increases stomach acid.
A food and symptom diary helps patients track their personal triggers and create a management plan that works for their specific situation.
Conclusion
GORD creates challenges for many people. Most patients recognise heartburn and regurgitation as the main symptoms. The condition can also cause asthma-like effects such as chronic coughing. Patients manage their condition better when they understand why it happens.
You should not ignore the early warning signs. People who experience heartburn twice a week need to see their doctor instead of putting up with the discomfort. GORD can lead to serious complications when left untreated. Barrett's oesophagus is one such complication that increases cancer risk.
The good news is that many patients get relief through lifestyle adjustments and medicine. Small shifts like keeping a steady weight, avoiding problem foods, and raising your head while sleeping can help a lot.
Doctors are finding better ways to handle GORD, with medical progress opening more doors for treatment. While many people live with this condition, good care lets them manage it and feel okay. Catching symptoms, seeking advice from doctors and following treatment plans are key steps to handling GORD. Managing it well leads to healthier digestion and feeling better overall.
