What is GORD?
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) acts like a valve, opening to let food fall into the stomach and closing to prevent acid leaking back into the oesophagus. GORD means the LOS does not close properly and stomach acid leaks out of the stomach.
How common is GORD?
GORD is a very common digestive condition which 1 in 5 people experience at least once a week. Whilst it is twice as common in men it can affect people of all ages.
What are the symptoms of GORD?
Common symptoms of GORD are heartburn, regurgitation of acid into the throat, and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include pain when swallowing, nausea, a cough, tooth decay and laryngitis.
How is GORD treated?
Lifestyle changes may help relieve the symptoms of GORD, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, eating smaller more frequent meals, avoiding triggers, and raising the head of your bed.
You may also need to change our medication if it’s contributing to GORD. Surgery is only usually recommended in cases which respond to this treatment.
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