Conditions / GORD

GORD

gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or more commonly known as GORD, is a disorder of the digestive system that affects the oesophageal sphincter and the muscle at the junction of the stomach and oesophagus. Most individuals, including pregnant women and obese people, suffer from acid indigestion or heartburn caused by GORD. In most cases, this condition can be relieved through lifestyle changes and diet; however, some individuals may require medication or surgery.

Sign and Symptoms

Common symptoms and signs of GORD include:

• Chest pain
• Heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest)
• Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
• Regurgitation of food or liquid
• A chronic cough
• Disrupted sleep

Causes

Anyone who is experiencing heartburn and frequent chest pain should talk to their doctor, who may refer them to a gastroenterologist for further investigation. There are multiple non-invasive as well as invasive tests to diagnose GORD, including:
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (Gastroscopy): Visualisation of the lower end of the oesophagus by an endoscope.
Upper GI series: A series of X-ray to find certain physical abnormalities that might be a cause of GORD.
Oesophageal pH monitoring: This is the measurement of the amount of acid in the oesophagus.
Oesophageal manometry: A test that measures muscle contractions and the strength of the oesophageal sphincter during swallowing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is based on negative findings means that a physician will likely make a confirmed diagnosis of Crohn’s disease only after excluding other possible causes for same signs and symptoms. There is no definitive test to diagnose Crohn’s disease, however, those carried out on a routine basis include;

• Blood tests
• Faecal occult blood test
• Tests for anaemia or infection
• Procedures
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Balloon-assisted enteroscopy
• Computerised tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment

Diet and lifestyle changes are the first line treatment. If it fails, GERD is treated with specific medications before attempting other lines of treatment. The medicines include:

• omeprazole
• lansoprazole
• ranitidine
• Proton pump inhibitors
• H2 blockers
• Antacids
• Prokinetics
• Erythromycin

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional. ALWAYS check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your condition or treatment.