Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet).

It usually occurs as a result of the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus becoming weakened. Read more about the causes of GORD.

GORD causes symptoms such as heartburn and an unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth. It may just be an occasional nuisance for some people, but for others it can be a severe, lifelong problem.

GORD can often be controlled with self-help measures and medication. Occasionally, surgery to correct the problem may be needed.

This topic focuses on GORD in adults.

Symptoms

Symptoms of GORD can include:

heartburn (an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating) acid reflux (where stomach acid comes back up into your mouth and causes an unpleasant, sour taste) oesophagitis (a sore, inflamed oesophagus) bad breath bloating and belching feeling or being sick pain when swallowing and/or difficulty swallowing

Read more about the symptoms of GORD.


The main symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are heartburn and acid reflux.


If you have GORD, you may also experience:

a sore, inflamed oesophagus (oesophagitis) bad breath bloating and belching feeling or being sick difficulty swallowing, which may feel like a piece of food is stuck low down in your throat pain when swallowing  a sore throat and hoarseness a persistent cough or wheezing, which may be worse at night tooth decay and gum disease

If you also have asthma, the symptoms may get worse as a result of stomach acid irritating your airways.