Gastro-oesophageal reflux

Symptoms of GORD

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

Heartburn

Heartburn is an uncomfortableburning sensation in the chest.

It's usually felt just below your breastbone, but can spread up to the throat in some people.

Thediscomfort is usually worse after eating, or when bending over or lying down.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is where acidand otherstomach contents arebrought back up (regurgitated)into your throat and mouth.

It usually causes an unpleasant, sour taste at the back of your mouth.

Othersymptoms

If you have GORD, you may also experience:

a sore, inflamed oesophagus (oesophagitis)
bad breath
bloating and belching
feeling or being sick
difficulty swallowing, whichmay feellike a piece of food is stuck low down in your throat
pain when swallowing
asore throatand hoarseness
a persistentcoughor wheezing, which may be worse at night
tooth decay andgum disease

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

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016

Articles for gastro-oesophageal reflux

Introduction

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

Symptoms of GORD

The main symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are heartburn and acid reflux. Other symptoms can include bad breath, feeling and being sick, and difficulty swallowing.

Causes of GORD

Find out what causes gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and read about the factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition.

Diagnosing GORD

Your GP will often be able to diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) based on your symptoms. However, there may be some instances when you're referred for tests in hospital.

Treating heartburn and GORD

A number of treatments are available for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), including simple, self-care measures, medication and surgery.

Complications of GORD

A number of possible complications can occur as a result of having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) for a long time, including ulcers, and a scarred and narrowed oesophagus.

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