Acid Reflux (GORD)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — commonly referred to simply as acid reflux — occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms and in some cases damage to the oesophageal lining. It is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal conditions worldwide, with heartburn — its hallmark symptom — experienced at least weekly by around 10–20% of adults in Western countries.
What causes it?
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) — a muscular ring at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach — normally prevents the backflow of stomach contents. GORD occurs when this sphincter relaxes inappropriately or weakens, allowing acidic stomach contents to rise into the oesophagus. Contributing factors include a hiatus hernia (where part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm), obesity, pregnancy, certain medications (including NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, and some antidepressants), smoking, alcohol, and dietary triggers such as fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits, and spicy foods. Large meal volumes and lying down shortly after eating also promote reflux.
Symptoms
The classic symptom is heartburn — a burning sensation rising from the stomach or lower chest towards the throat, often worse after eating, when bending, or when lying down. Regurgitation of sour or bitter-tasting fluid into the mouth is also common. Less typical (extraoesophageal) manifestations include chronic cough, hoarseness, a feeling of a lump in the throat (globus), and dental erosion — which occur because acidic material reaches the larynx and airways.
Complications
Chronic, uncontrolled acid exposure can cause oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophageal lining), oesophageal stricture (narrowing due to scarring), and Barrett's oesophagus — a premalignant condition in which the normal oesophageal lining is replaced by a different cell type, carrying a small but real risk of progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Choosing where to be treated
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