Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can be caused by a number of things. It could be down to the failure of the 'valve' between your oesophagus and stomach. If this valve moves, becomes weak or opens spontaneously, it can lead to acid reflex. Other causes might include being overweight, pregnancy, smoking and eating fatty foods. Some common symptoms of GORD include:

• heartburn (a burning sensation behind your breast bone)
• regurgitation (feeling of liquid moving up to the mouth)
• an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• excessive belching
• stomach pains
• a hoarse voice
• chest pain
• coughing

Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. They'll normally be able to make a diagnosis based on this. In some cases, they may also carry out other tests at a later date. These might include:

• a gastroscopy to look into your throat and/or stomach using a telescope and camera
• barium swallow test to spot issues in your throat and/or stomach
• 24-hour tube test to measure the amount of acidity in your stomach
• PH study

Your GP or consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. Depending on the nature of your symptoms and any test results, these could range from over-the-counter medicines to stronger drugs. In some cases, they may recommend anti-reflex surgery.