Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GORD)

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the oesophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called volume reflux. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has a serious problem. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be worth investigating. 

Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GORD. 

The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GORD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or like you are choking or your throat is tight. GORD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath. 

The most frequent symptoms of GORD are so common that they may not be associated with a disease. Self-diagnosis can lead to mistreatment. It is preferable to have the symptoms properly investigated rather than commencing long-term treatment on the assumption that you have reflux. 

• Hiatushernia- occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest
• Alcohol use – particularly white wine and spirits 
• Overweight – with increasing obesity most people will develop reflux 
• Pregnancy – this can be problematic, but generally resolves after the baby is born 
• Posture – reflux is often worse when lying or bending. Activities such as gardening can make it worse. It may wake you from sleep with pain, coughing or choking
• Occupations that require bending or lying flat 
• Certain food and drinks are also associated with reflux. Spicy and fatty foods as well as coffee are all known to worsen reflux. Fizzy drinks may also make the problem worse 

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is reflux that is associated with troublesome symptoms or complications, such as unexplained crying, feeding refusal, choking or gagging, sleep disturbance, abdominal pain, poor weight gain, and respiratory symptoms. GORD symptoms often vary depending on the age of the child. Older children and adolescents may present with symptoms very similar to those in adults. 

Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis 

1. Medical history 
2. Response to acid-suppressing medication: A trial of medication such as omeprazole (Losec) is often prescribed by your GP. Most people with reflux will experience significant improvement in their symptoms when taking this. However, the problem is likely to recur when the medication is discontinued. You should have the problem further investigated with a gastroscopy prior to embarking on long-term medication. This is done to ensure you do not have other problems that are more serious
3. Barium swallow radiograph: A barium examination uses X-rays to take a picture of the oesophagus and stomach. It can be useful to delineate hiatus hernias and some other abnormalities. It is often used first if the main symptom is difficulty swallowing
4. Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)

Lifestyle modification: 

• Reduce weight if overweight 
• Restrict coffee intake
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Avoid rich, spicy or fatty meals 
• Avoid going to bed immediately after a large meal 
• Sleep slightly propped up 

Medications: 

• Antacids, such as Mylanta or Mucaine are useful if the problem only occurs occasionally 
• H2 Antagonists, such as ranitidine (Zantac) can provide more long-lasting relief 
• Proton pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole (Losec) are the most powerful in terms of acid suppression. Some people will need to take them daily, others just need them every now and then – “on-demand” 
• Alginates, such as Gaviscon, these can be soothing. They are not absorbed and there is no concern about use during pregnancy 
• Prokinetic agents. These drugs are used to try and speed emptying of the oesophagus and stomach. The main drug used for this today is Nizatidine (Tazac). This is often used in combination with a proton pump inhibitor 

It is important to note that reflux is not a problem that is cured by a course of medication. If major lifestyle change can be implemented then the need for medication may pass. However, for most people, long-term medication is required, unless symptoms are sufficiently severe to warrant surgery.