Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Disease class: Oesophageal motility disorders

Also known as GORD or GERD.

This describes reflux of acidic stomach contents from the stomach, up through the pyloric sphincter, into the oesophagus.

This is a common cause of  "indigestion" or "heartburn", meaning 'dyspepsia'. This describes an intermittend discomfort or burning pain in the thorax or upper abdomen, usually after eating.

 

Complications

• Oesophageal metaplasia (Barrett's oesophagus) and oesophageal cancer.

 

Management

Pharmacological

It is often treated with medications which reduce stomach acidity, including:

• Proton pump inhibitors 
• H2 antagonists 
• Antacids  

Surgical

• Nissen fundoplication