GORD (reflux) - symptoms, treatments and causes

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>GORD (reflux) - symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is caused by stomach acid rising in your food pipe. 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Learn more about symptoms and treatments for GORD."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="GORD (reflux)" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/gord-reflux"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is GORD?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What is GORD? Answer","text":"Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) happens when stomach acid leaks from your stomach and moves up into your oesophagus (food pipe). This is also known as ‘reflux’ or ‘acid reflux’. A diagram showing how the oesophagus connects the mouth to the stomach Almost everyone gets heartburn due to acid reflux from time to time. GORD is when reflux occurs more than twice a week. It can eventually lead to more serious health problems and impact your wellbeing and quality of life. GORD can affect everyone, even children, but mostly affects people aged over 40 years.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the symptoms of GORD?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What are the symptoms of GORD? Answer","text":"The most common symptoms of GORD are: heartburn regurgitation difficulty swallowing Heartburn Heartburn is the main symptom of GORD. It feels like discomfort or burning pain in your chest. This pain can rise up and sometimes spread to your: neck throat jaw Heartburn is often worse: after eating heavy meals lying down when bending over Is it heartburn or a heart attack? Chest pain is a very common reason for people to go to the hospital emergency department. While many people are suffering from a heart attack, some have severe heartburn. It’s quite difficult to tell heartburn and heart attack apart. In fact, a heart attack can only be confirmed by medical tests. Seek immediate medical attention by calling triple zero (000) if you experience any heart attack warning signs such as: chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes shortness of breath pain in your jaw, arm, back neck or stomach sudden sweating nausea lightheadedness and dizziness Males are more likely to have chest pain as a heart attack symptom. Females are more likely to experience the other symptoms listed above. If you are unsure about whether your symptoms are heartburn or a heart attack, you should still call triple zero (000). Regurgitation Regurgitation is also called reflux. This is when stomach acid and other stomach contents come up into your throat and mouth. It causes an unpleasant, sour taste in your mouth. Difficulty swallowing If you have GORD, you might have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), especially when eating solids such as: meat bread pastry It can also feel like you have a lump in your throat. Other symptoms of GORD GORD can also cause other problems such as: vomiting (throwing up) a persistent cough, which may be worse at night chest pain wheezing tooth decay laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) bad breath bloating and belching (burping) Some people may also find swallowing painful. This is caused by ulcers in your oesophagus (food pipe). If you have asthma and GORD, your asthma symptoms may become worse.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Answer2"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What causes GORD?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What causes GORD? Answer","text":"Most cases of GORD are caused by a problem with your lower oesophageal sphincter. The lower oesophageal sphincter is the muscle around at the bottom of your food pipe that stops the contents of the stomach from rising back up into your throat. If your lower oesophageal sphincter becomes weak, it may not close properly. This allows acid to leak up into your oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. It’s not always clear why the lower oesophageal sphincter becomes weakened, but it’s more likely to happen in people who: are overweight or obese are pregnant are feeling stressed smoke take certain medicines, such as ibuprofen If you are pregnant changes in your hormone levels can also relax your lower oesophageal sphincter. This, along with increased pressure on your stomach during pregnancy, can also cause GORD symptoms. Some conditions can also impact your lower oesophageal sphincter, such as: hiatus hernia, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm (the sheet of muscle which separates your abdomen from your chest) diabetes connective tissue disorders Some conditions that you are born with can also increase your risk of GORD, such as: cerebral palsy scoliosis Down syndrome Large meals and some foods can trigger symptoms of GORD. These are: fatty foods tomatoes hot drinks spicy foods alcohol tobacco","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Answer3"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When should I see my doctor?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Question4","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"When should I see my doctor? Answer","text":"You should see your doctor if: you have severe chest pain your symptoms get worse your symptoms prevent you from eating, drinking or sleeping you are losing weight you have repeated vomiting or are vomiting blood","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Answer4"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is GORD diagnosed?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Question5","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is GORD diagnosed? Answer","text":"In most cases, your doctor will be able to diagnose GORD by asking you questions about: your symptoms how your respond to any medicines you are taking If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may order some tests. The most common test for GORD is an endoscopy. This involves a long, thin flexible tube that has a light source and video camera attached. This tube is inserted down your throat to examine and take images of the inside of your oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Answer5"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is GORD treated?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Question6","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is GORD treated? Answer","text":"If your GORD is caused by an underlying condition, that will need to be treated. There are also ways to treat and manage GORD symptoms. Lifestyle changes Making changes to your lifestyle are essential to manage and prevent GORD symptoms. Lose weight if you are overweight or obese — even a small amount of weight loss can help your symptoms. Diet and nutrition Most people with GORD find that their symptoms are influenced by what they eat and drink, as well as how and when they eat. It is a good idea to work out which foods trigger your symptoms so you can avoid them. The foods will be different for everyone, so only cut out the ones that are a problem for you. You don’t have to restrict your diet unnecessarily. For many people, problem foods include: coffee alcohol fatty or spicy foods and pepper drinks containing caffeine soft drinks citrus fruit juices chocolate peppermint You could also try to avoid: battered or fried foods pastries rich cakes and biscuits fatty food such as hamburgers, fried chicken and pizza You can also make these changes to your eating habits: eat smaller, more frequent meals eat your evening meal at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed avoid lying down soon after eating Stop smoking Tobacco smoke irritates your digestive system and makes your symptoms worse. Quitting smoking has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people who are taking medication for GORD. Cut back on alcohol Alcohol irritates the stomach and relaxes the muscles around the oesophagus, allowing stomach acid to reflux. Cutting back can relieve symptoms in some people. Raise the bed head Safely raising the head of your bed by about 20cm with something strong such as a piece of wood or wooden blocks, or using a pillow to wedge the mattress, can help if you have reflux symptoms at night. Try not to lie down after you eat. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist to review any medicines you are taking. They can check that they aren’t making your symptoms worse. If your symptoms get worse at night, you can try sleeping on your back with your head at a slight angle. To do this, you can raise the head of your bed using some extra pillows. Medicines Sometimes lifestyle changes are all you need to manage your GORD. If lifestyle changes don’t help control your symptoms, you may need to take medicines. You can buy medicines without a prescription from a pharmacy (over-the-counter medicines) that help control the amount of acid produced in your stomach. These include : antacids H2-receptor antagonists (blockers) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) Talk to your pharmacist about which medicine is best for you and always follow the instructions. Let your doctor know what over-the-counter medicines you are taking. If your symptoms don’t go away, see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe you a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 4 to 8 weeks. These medicines work more strongly to reduce the acid in your stomach. Proton pump inhibitors should not be taken long term if you don’t need them. If your symptoms are well managed or improving, talk to your doctor about reviewing your medicine. Your doctor may slowly reduce your medicine or limit it to when you have symptoms. After you have stopped taking a proton pump inhibitor, lifestyle changes become even more important to control your symptoms. Surgery Surgery is only required for a small number of people who: have severe symptoms have symptoms that don’t get better with medicines don’t want to take long-term medicines have a hiatus hernia It is performed through a ‘key-hole’ approach called laparoscopy.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux#Answer6"}}],"@type":"FAQPage","name":"GORD (reflux)","description":"Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is caused by stomach acid rising in your food pipe. Learn more about symptoms and treatments for GORD.","dateModified":"2023-05-01T15:14:00Z","alternateName":"GERD","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux","sameAs":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease"}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/711/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2>Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is caused by acid from stomach rising up your food pipe.</li> <li>GORD can cause symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.</li> <li>Some GORD symptoms are the same as a heart attack — if you have severe symptoms, you should call triple zero (000).</li> <li>To treat GORD, you can take over the counter medicines, and make lifestyle changes.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is GORD?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of GORD?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes GORD?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How is GORD diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How is GORD treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevent">Can GORD be prevented?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">Complications of GORD</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is GORD?</h2> <p>Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) happens when stomach acid leaks from your stomach and moves up into your oesophagus (food pipe). This is also known as ‘reflux’ or ‘acid reflux’.</p> <p>Almost everyone gets <a href="/heartburn">heartburn</a> due to acid reflux from time to time. GORD is when reflux occurs more than twice a week. It can eventually lead to more serious health problems and impact your wellbeing and quality of life.</p> <p>GORD can affect everyone, even children, but mostly affects people aged over 40 years.</p> <figure> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/gord-reflux-3a3ec7.jpg" title="Oesophagus diagram" data-hda-inline-image alt=""> <figcaption>Diagram of the gastrointestinal tract.</figcaption> </figure> <h2 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of GORD?</h2> <p>The most common symptoms of GORD are:</p> <ul> <li>heartburn</li> <li>regurgitation</li> <li>difficulty swallowing</li> </ul> <h3>Heartburn</h3> <p><a href="/heartburn">Heartburn</a> is the main symptom of GORD. It feels like discomfort or burning pain in your chest. This pain can rise up and sometimes spread to your:</p> <ul> <li>neck</li> <li>throat</li> <li>jaw</li> </ul> <p>Heartburn is often worse:</p> <ul> <li>after eating heavy meals</li> <li>lying down</li> <li>when bending over</li> </ul> <h3>Is it heartburn or a heart attack?</h3> <p><a href="/chest-pain">Chest pain</a> is a very common reason for people to go to the hospital emergency department. While many people are suffering from a <a href="/heart-attack">heart attack</a>, some have severe heartburn.</p> <p>It’s quite difficult to tell heartburn and heart attack apart. In fact, a <a href="/heart-attack">heart attack</a> can only be confirmed by medical tests.</p> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object-left "> <i class="dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> </div> <div class="cont_layout-media-object-right"> <p><strong>Seek immediate medical attention by calling triple zero (000) if you experience any heart attack warning signs such as:</strong></p> <ul> <li>chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes</li> <li>shortness of breath</li> <li>pain in your jaw, arm, back neck or stomach</li> <li>sudden <a href="/excessive-sweating-hyperhidrosis">sweating</a></li> <li><a href="/nausea">nausea</a></li> <li><a href="/lightheadedness">lightheadedness</a> and <a href="/dizziness">dizziness</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <p>Males are more likely to have chest pain as a heart attack symptom. Females are more likely to experience the other symptoms listed above.</p> <p>If you are unsure about whether your symptoms are heartburn or a heart attack, you should still call triple zero (000).</p> <h3>Regurgitation</h3> <p>Regurgitation is also called reflux. This is when stomach acid and other stomach contents come up into your throat and mouth. It causes an unpleasant, sour taste in your mouth.</p> <h3>Difficulty swallowing</h3> <p>If you have GORD, you might have <a href="/dysphagia">difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)</a>, especially when eating solids such as:</p> <ul> <li>meat</li> <li>bread</li> <li>pastry</li> </ul> <p>It can also feel like you have a lump in your throat.</p> <h3>Other symptoms of GORD</h3> <p>GORD can also cause other problems such as:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/vomiting">vomiting</a> (throwing up)</li> <li>a persistent <a href="/cough">cough</a>, which may be worse at night</li> <li><a href="/chest-pain">chest pain</a></li> <li>wheezing</li> <li><a href="/tooth-decay">tooth decay</a></li> <li><a href="/laryngitis">laryngitis</a> (inflammation of the voice box)</li> <li><a href="/halitosis">bad breath</a></li> <li>bloating and belching (burping)</li> </ul> <p>Some people may also find swallowing painful. This is caused by ulcers in your oesophagus (food pipe).</p> <p>If you have <a href="/asthma">asthma</a> and GORD, your asthma symptoms may become worse.</p> <a href="/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <h2 id="causes">What causes GORD?</h2> <p>Most cases of GORD are caused by a problem with your lower oesophageal sphincter.</p> <p>The lower oesophageal sphincter is the muscle around at the bottom of your food pipe that stops the contents of the stomach from rising back up into your throat.</p> <p>If your lower oesophageal sphincter becomes weak, it may not close properly. This allows acid to leak up into your oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn.</p> <p>It’s not always clear why the lower oesophageal sphincter becomes weakened, but it’s more likely to happen in people who:</p> <ul> <li>are overweight or <a href="/obesity">obese</a></li> <li>are <a href="/pregnancy">pregnant</a></li> <li>are feeling <a href="/stress">stressed</a></li> <li>smoke</li> <li>take certain medicines, such as ibuprofen</li> </ul> <p>If you are pregnant changes in your <a href="/hormones">hormone</a> levels can also relax your lower oesophageal sphincter. This, along with increased pressure on your stomach during pregnancy, can also cause GORD symptoms.</p> <p>Some conditions can also impact your lower oesophageal sphincter, such as:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/hiatus-hernia">hiatus hernia</a>, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm (the sheet of muscle which separates your abdomen from your chest)</li> <li><a href="/diabetes">diabetes</a></li> <li>connective tissue disorders</li> </ul> <p>Some conditions that you are born with can also increase your risk of GORD, such as:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/cerebral-palsy">cerebral palsy</a></li> <li><a href="/scoliosis">scoliosis</a></li> <li><a href="/down-syndrome">Down syndrome</a></li> </ul> <p>Large meals and some foods can trigger symptoms of GORD. These are:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/dietary-fats">fatty foods</a></li> <li>tomatoes</li> <li>hot drinks</li> <li>spicy foods</li> <li><a href="/how-alcohol-affects-your-health">alcohol</a></li> <li>tobacco</li> </ul> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <p>You should see your doctor if:</p> <ul> <li>you have severe chest pain</li> <li>your symptoms get worse</li> <li>your symptoms prevent you from eating, drinking or sleeping</li> <li>you are losing weight</li> <li>you have repeated <a href="/vomiting">vomiting</a> or are vomiting blood</li> </ul> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="diagnosed">How is GORD diagnosed?</h2> <p>In most cases, your doctor will be able to diagnose GORD by asking you questions about:</p> <ul> <li>your symptoms</li> <li>how your respond to any medicines you are taking</li> </ul> <p>If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may order some tests. The most common test for GORD is an <a href="/endoscopy">endoscopy</a>. This involves a long, thin flexible tube that has a light source and video camera attached. This tube is inserted down your throat to examine and take images of the inside of your oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach.</p> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="treated">How is GORD treated?</h2> <p>If your GORD is caused by an underlying condition, that will need to be treated. There are also ways to treat and manage GORD symptoms.</p> <h3>Lifestyle changes</h3> <p>Making changes to your lifestyle are essential to manage and prevent GORD symptoms.</p> <p><a href="/weight-loss-and-dieting">Lose weight</a> if you are overweight or obese — even a small amount of weight loss can help your symptoms.</p> <h3>Diet and nutrition</h3> <p>Most people with GORD find that their symptoms are influenced by <em>what</em> they eat and drink, as well as <em>how </em>and<em> when</em> they eat.</p> <p>It is a good idea to work out which foods trigger your symptoms so you can avoid them. The foods will be different for everyone, so only cut out the ones that are a problem for you. You don’t have to restrict your diet unnecessarily.</p> <p>For many people, problem foods include:</p> <ul> <li>coffee</li> <li><a href="/how-alcohol-affects-your-health">alcohol</a></li> <li>fatty or spicy foods and pepper</li> <li>drinks containing caffeine</li> <li>soft drinks</li> <li>citrus fruit juices</li> <li>chocolate</li> <li>peppermint</li> </ul> <p>You could also try to avoid:</p> <ul> <li>battered or fried foods</li> <li>pastries</li> <li>rich cakes and biscuits</li> <li>fatty food such as hamburgers, fried chicken and pizza</li> </ul> <p>You can also make these changes to your eating habits:</p> <ul> <li>eat smaller, more frequent meals</li> <li>eat your evening meal at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed</li> <li>avoid lying down soon after eating</li> </ul> <h3>Stop smoking</h3> <p>Tobacco smoke irritates your digestive system and makes your symptoms worse. <a href="/quit-smoking-vaping">Quitting smoking</a> has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people who are taking medication for GORD.</p> <h3>Cut back on alcohol</h3> <p>Alcohol irritates the stomach and relaxes the muscles around the oesophagus, allowing stomach acid to reflux. Cutting back can relieve symptoms in some people.</p> <h3>Raise the bed head</h3> <p>Safely raising the head of your bed by about 20cm with something strong such as a piece of wood or wooden blocks, or using a pillow to wedge the mattress, can help if you have reflux symptoms at night. Try not to lie down after you eat.</p> <p>You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist to review any medicines you are taking. They can check that they aren’t making your symptoms worse.</p> <p>If your symptoms get worse at night, you can try sleeping on your back with your head at a slight angle. To do this, you can raise the head of your bed using some extra pillows.</p> <h3>Medicines</h3> <p>Sometimes lifestyle changes are all you need to manage your GORD. If lifestyle changes don’t help control your symptoms, you may need to take medicines.</p> <p>You can buy medicines without a prescription from a pharmacy (<a href="/over-the-counter-medicines">over-the-counter medicines</a>) that help control the amount of acid produced in your stomach. These include :</p> <ul> <li>antacids</li> <li>H2-receptor antagonists (blockers)</li> <li>proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)</li> </ul> <p>Talk to your pharmacist about which medicine is best for you and always follow the instructions. Let your doctor know what over-the-counter medicines you are taking.</p> <p>If your symptoms don’t go away, see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe you a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 4 to 8 weeks. These medicines work more strongly to reduce the acid in your stomach.</p> <p>Proton pump inhibitors should not be taken long term if you don’t need them. If your symptoms are well managed or improving, talk to your doctor about reviewing your medicine. Your doctor may slowly reduce your medicine or limit it to when you have symptoms. After you have stopped taking a proton pump inhibitor, lifestyle changes become even more important to control your symptoms.</p> <h3>Surgery</h3> <p>Surgery is only required for a small number of people who:</p> <ul> <li>have severe symptoms</li> <li>have symptoms that don’t get better with medicines</li> <li>don’t want to take long-term medicines</li> <li>have a hiatus hernia</li> </ul> <p>It is performed through a ‘key-hole’ approach called <a href="/laparoscopy">laparoscopy</a>.</p> <h2 id="prevent">Can GORD be prevented?</h2> <p>By making lifestyle changes, you can prevent the symptoms and complications of GORD.</p> <h2 id="complications">Complications of GORD</h2> <p>For most people, GORD is a fairly straightforward condition. But for some, it can eventually lead to complications such as</p> <ul> <li>Barrett’s oesophagus</li> <li>oesophageal stricture</li> <li><a href="/oesophageal-cancer">oesophageal cancer</a></li> </ul> <p>If your doctor thinks you may be at risk of developing GORD complications, they may refer you for an endoscopy.</p> <h3>Barrett’s oesophagus</h3> <p>Long-term GORD can damage the cells lining the lower part of your food pipe. This condition is called Barrett’s oesophagus, which occurs in around 1 in 10 people with GORD.</p> <p>It can also cause inflammation (oesophagitis) and cause oesophageal ulcers to form. Barrett’s oesophagus is usually diagnosed by an endoscopy and can increase your risk of oesophageal cancer.</p> <h3>Oesophageal stricture</h3> <p>If the lining of your food pipe is continuously damaged, scar tissue can form. If the scar tissue builds up, it can cause your throat to become narrow and can make swallowing difficult. This is an oesophageal stricture.</p> <p>It’s possible to have a surgical procedure to widen your food pipe.</p> <h3>Oesophageal cancer</h3> <p>In some people Barrett’s oesophagus can develop into oesophageal cancer. The symptoms of oesophageal cancer are:</p> <ul> <li>pain and difficulty swallowing</li> <li>heartburn and reflux</li> <li>unexplained weight loss</li> <li>vomiting and vomiting blood</li> <li>tiredness (<a href="/fatigue">fatigue</a>)</li> <li>black or bloody <a href="/stool-changes">stool</a> (poo)</li> </ul> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>You can find out more about GORD from:</p> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://gutfoundation.com.au/gord-hiatus-hernia-reflux-and-barretts-oesophagus/">The Gut Foundation</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.gesa.org.au/resources/patient-resources/">Gastroenterological Society of Australia</a></li> </ul> <p>If you are worried about a child or infant with reflux symptoms, visit the <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/reflux">Pregnancy Birth & Baby Reflux page</a>.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Agency for Clinical Innovation">Agency for Clinical Innovation</a> <em>(Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.rch.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne">Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne</a> <em>(Reflux (GOR) and GORD)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Therapeutic Guidelines">Therapeutic Guidelines</a> <em>(Gastro-oesophageal reflux in adults)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au" target="_blank" title="Department of Health and Aged Care">Department of Health and Aged Care</a> <em>(Reflux (heartburn))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au" target="_blank" title="Cancer Council">Cancer Council</a> <em>(Understanding stomach and oesophageal cancer)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.hri.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Heart Research Institute">Heart Research Institute</a> <em>(Heart attack: causes and warning signs)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" title="Heart Organisation">Heart Organisation</a> <em>(Heartburn or Heart Attack?)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Medical tests for heart disease)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: January 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heartburn" title="Search results for:Heartburn">Heartburn</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Hiatus Hernia" title="Search results for:Hiatus Hernia">Hiatus Hernia</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Fundoplication" title="Search results for:Fundoplication">Fundoplication</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Antacids" title="Search results for:Antacids">Antacids</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Proton pump inhibitors" title="Search results for:Proton pump inhibitors">Proton pump inhibitors</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="23"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8ec655c5-a89b-4ba8-9c3e-bd3e2bf7192e"> <h3>Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is when you have frequent or severe reflux symptoms, such as regular heartburn. If you have complications of reflux, you are also considered to have GORD.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-symptoms/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|2f3e1d36-fb0d-4638-ab40-a3e46fe0b8c2"> <h3>Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heartburn is the most noticeable of several symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/asthma-and-gastric-reflux/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b8b6e1da-f8f6-43bf-b839-259585e27096"> <h3>Asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease often occur together, but does one condition trigger the other?</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/barrett-s-oesophagus/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|49e2b01a-fcac-4f7e-a14d-b74a72391072"> <h3>Barrett's oesophagus - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Barrett's oesophagus affects some people with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Having Barrett's oesophagus increases your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/reflux" data-partner-url="partners/raisingchildren.net.au" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|38d221c7-f429-4d42-8e81-0f3a77be9a4f"> <h3>Gastro-oesophageal reflux & GORD 0-2 years | Raising Children Network</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Gastro-oesophageal reflux is when your child brings stomach contents back up into their food pipe or mouth. GORD is when reflux leads to complications.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="raisingchildren.net.au" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/raising-children_logo-f6777f.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/conditions-and-treatments/infant-reflux" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|5bd0fafe-e900-4422-ba96-0922c50db3b6"> <h3>Infant reflux - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Reflux is common in babies and causes no pain or problems with weight gain in most babies.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/heartburn/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|dd61a6ef-c33d-4bd0-9d90-5fe5db971958"> <h3>Heartburn - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heartburn is a common form of indigestion caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux - reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus (gullet).</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/reflux" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|7ef2345c-275e-4f13-97ab-2af416b28173"> <h3>Reflux in babies</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Reflux (spitting up) is quite common in babies and usually nothing to worry about. Learn about why it happens and when to seek help.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/managing-reflux-and-heartburn" data-partner-url="partners/nps-medicinewise" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b3116d1f-b108-47e6-b61b-10d37f642e59"> <h3>Managing reflux and heartburn</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Changing your diet and other lifestyle factors can help with painful heartburn and reflux. Medicines can be helpful too, although they aren’t always a long-term fix.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on NPS MedicineWise website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="NPS MedicineWise" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/nps_logo-54f847.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/indigestion" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|aed385cb-3a3f-4373-af03-9d4898f0b3db"> <h3>Indigestion (heartburn and reflux) - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Food inside the stomach is only kept there by the force of gravity so to avoid heartburn, don't lie down after a big meal.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="7"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/death-from-diltiazem-ibrutinib-interaction.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|0d8a9160-9548-406a-86c3-f9d1b2e032af"> <h3>Death from diltiazem–ibrutinib interaction</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Beware of interactions with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/diagnosis-and-management-of-eosinophilic-oesophagitis.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|854a7fd8-4330-45d9-a1d4-56c73ee3e1b8"> <h3>Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic oesophagitis - Australian Prescriber</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Eosinophilic oesophagitis is related to food allergy and presents with dysphagia and food bolus impaction. 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