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Gastro-oesophagial Reflux Disease (GORD)
GORD is a common condition 20 - 30 % of the population suffers from reflux symptoms. GORD occurs because of failure of normal multi-system control mechanism which prevent any gastric content from refluxing into oesophagus. GORD is charecterised by symptoms and/or tissue damage that result from repeated or prolonged exposure of the lining of the oesophagus to acidic contents from the stomach. If tissue damage is present, the individual is said to have oesophagitis or erosive GORD. The presence of symptoms with no evident tissue damage is referred to as non-erosive GORD. |
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| Typical | Atypical |
| Heartburn | Pulmonary aspiration |
| Regurgitation | Severe chest pain |
| Dysphagia/odynophagia | Pulmonary asthma |
| Water brash | Choking |
| Chronic cough |
Some patients with GORD may not have apparent symptoms, and the presence of GORD is revealed when complications such as sticture or Barrett's oesophagus become evident.
Management of GORD
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modification is sometimes helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms in early disease and if used in combination with drug treatment then symptoms are better controlled at smaller maintenance dose.
Some of the lifestyle modifications that can be helpful are:
Diet- avoid fatty, spicy or large meals.
Reducing weight
Stop smoking
Sleeping on a raised head end on bed