GORD is a condition in which the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or "reflux" into the oesophagus. Usually, the sphincter prevents the stomach contents from flowing upward, working like a one-way valve.
Some degree of reflux is normal in everyone. Sometimes, the sphincter doesn't close tightly enough after food has passed through. Then stomach acid, which is essential for digesting food, flows into the oesophagus. This is called “reflux”.
The reflux tendency increases when the stomach contains a lot of gastric juice or food and when there's increased pressure in or on the stomach. Episodes of normal reflux typically occur after meals, are brief and without symptoms. Acid reflux becomes pathological (the condition called GORD) when you develop symptoms or when the oesophagus becomes damaged.
Good to know
- Sometimes acidic juices from the stomach flow back (“reflux”) into the gullet, or oesophagus.
- If it happens repeatedly, the acid will damage the lining of the gullet. This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
- Giving up smoking, losing weight and modifying your diet usually prevent reflux from occurring.
- In rare cases, surgery is an option, otherwise medication to suppress stomach acid will be recommended.
- The main symptom of reflux is a painful burning in the chest, known as heartburn.
- If you have severe reflux, your doctor might recommend gastroscopy to rule out more serious conditions.