DIAGNOSING AND TREATING

REFLUX DISEASE

IN A COMFORTABLE AND ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENT

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Reflux disease

As part of our bodies natural digestive processes, stomach acid is used to help dissolve and digest food. When this acid or stomach content moves upwards into the oesophagus, you can feel a burning sensation described as heartburn. This process is known as gastro-oesophageal
reflux disease (GORD).

GORD is a common disorder that affects millions of Australians, ranging in severity from occasional episodes responsive to over-the-counter antacids, to daily persistent discomfort requiring medications.

What Causes GORD? 

GORD occurs when the valve connecting the stomach and oesophagus (the lower oesophageal sphincter) relaxes too much or too frequently. This valve normally needs to relax to let food in and gas out, but if too much relaxation occurs, stomach content can reflux upwards.

Triggers for this process can include diet, lifestyle stress, and alcohol. A hiatus hernia is another causative factor, whereby the stomach slips upwards slightly into the chest, promoting reflux.

Symptoms of GORD

Symptoms of GORD can vary from person to person, but the most common reported symptoms include:

  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation/vomiting
  • Problems swallowing
  • Chest pain
  • Sour taste in the mouth
  • Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat

Diagnosis and treatment

If you have symptoms suggestive of GORD, the team at Glengarry Gastroenterology will perform a gastroscopy to examine your oesophagus and stomach.

From this, it can be determined if there is any injury to the oesophagus from reflux disease, or a form of more permanent damage (called ‘Barrett’s oesophagus’), a risk factor for oesophageal cancer.

If it is determined that you are suffering from GORD, then a treatment plan can be created to improve your symptoms and minimise any further injury.