What is Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refers to a group of symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and oesophagitis. It is often the underlying cause of indigestion (dyspepsia), which is characterized by discomfort or pain in the stomach, bloating, and a feeling of fullness that occurs quickly after eating or drinking.
What are the Other Symptoms?
Symptoms of GORD can differ from person to person, and their frequency may vary as well. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Bloating and burping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to finish a normal meal
- Acid reflux (where stomach contents rise up into the mouth)
- A sharp, burning sensation under the ribs or between the shoulder blades
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- A sore throat and a persistent cough
In some cases, GORD can be linked to more serious health concerns. If you experience any of the following, it is important to consult a doctor:
- Vomiting blood or frequent vomiting over time
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Unexplained weight loss
Who is Affected by GORD and What Causes It?
GORD is a widespread condition, affecting about 1 in 10 people, although only a small percentage seek medical attention. It occurs when stomach contents, including acids and digestive enzymes, flow back into the oesophagus, leading to inflammation and damage. Over time, this can result in more severe conditions, such as Barrett’s Oesophagus.
While GORD can stem from various digestive system issues, in up to 70% of cases, no specific cause is identified. However, it is more common in individuals with a hiatus hernia, those with a weak sphincter muscle (the valve between the stomach and oesophagus), or those infected with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. If the infection is the cause, a breath test and a course of antibiotics can help diagnose and treat it.
Pregnant women, overweight individuals, and people over the age of 40 are more prone to GORD. Diet and lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of symptoms, and more information on this will be provided below.
How is GORD Treated?
Your doctor or pharmacist can offer advice on medications to relieve symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle and dietary changes may improve symptoms enough for people to stop relying on medications.
Step 1: Modify Lifestyle Habits
What Other Lifestyle Changes Can Help?
- Avoid tight clothing, especially after meals.
- Elevate your head while sleeping or raise the head of your bed.
- Refrain from lying flat after meals.
- Do not eat late at night or within three hours of going to bed.
- Avoid intense exercise right after eating.
- Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects after meals.
Step 2: Adjust Your Eating Habits
Instead of consuming large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, and avoid long periods without eating. Make sure your diet includes a variety of foods from all five food groups. If you limit certain food groups, you may miss out on essential nutrients, so consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement if needed. Eat slowly, and chew your food thoroughly. Avoid very hot or very cold foods, as they may cause you to swallow more air, which could aggravate your symptoms.
Can Specific Foods Trigger Symptoms?
Some individuals find that certain foods worsen their symptoms, including:
- Coffee
- Fizzy drinks
- Onions
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Garlic
- Spicy foods
- Tomato-based foods
- Processed meats
Food sensitivities can differ from person to person, so keeping a food and symptom diary for 2-4 weeks may help you identify foods that trigger your symptoms. Fatty foods, in particular, can exacerbate symptoms since they take longer to digest, prompting your stomach to produce more gastric juices.
To reduce fat intake, consider the following tips:
- Limit or avoid fried breakfasts, crisps, chips, pastries, pies, pizza, battered and deep-fried foods, sausages, full-fat milk, mayonnaise, cakes, and biscuits.
- Trim visible fat and skin from meat and poultry.
- Use no more than one teaspoon of oil per person when cooking, or try using a spray oil.
- Opt for grilled, oven-baked, steamed, or boiled foods instead of fried foods.
- Drain excess fat from your meals before serving.
For More Information:
For additional resources and support on GORD, visit the following links: