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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder, or GORD, is a condition in which the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus, or gullet, near the diaphragm) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or "reflux" into the oesophagus.
Usually, the sphincter prevents the stomach contents from flowing upward, working like a one-way valve.
Some degree of reflux is normal in everyone. Sometimes, the sphincter does not close tightly enough after food has passed through it. Then stomach acid, which is essential for digesting food, flows into the oesophagus. This is called “reflux”. The reflux tendency increases when the stomach contains a lot of gastric juice or food and when there is increased pressure in or on the stomach. Episodes of normal reflux typically occur after meals, are brief and without symptoms, and rarely occur during sleep.
If this happens often enough, the acid can damage the lining of the gullet.
GORD is a very common problem, occurring in people of all ages and both sexes.
Acid reflux becomes pathological (the condition called GORD) when the person develops symptoms or when the oesophagus becomes damaged. Symptoms of GERD are an indication that potential injury to tissues has resulted from longer and more frequent acid exposure than that which occurs with normal, physiological reflux.
Usually, the sphincter prevents the stomach contents from flowing upward, working like a one-way valve.
Some degree of reflux is normal in everyone. Sometimes, the sphincter does not close tightly enough after food has passed through it. Then stomach acid, which is essential for digesting food, flows into the oesophagus. This is called “reflux”. The reflux tendency increases when the stomach contains a lot of gastric juice or food and when there is increased pressure in or on the stomach. Episodes of normal reflux typically occur after meals, are brief and without symptoms, and rarely occur during sleep.
If this happens often enough, the acid can damage the lining of the gullet.
GORD is a very common problem, occurring in people of all ages and both sexes.
Acid reflux becomes pathological (the condition called GORD) when the person develops symptoms or when the oesophagus becomes damaged. Symptoms of GERD are an indication that potential injury to tissues has resulted from longer and more frequent acid exposure than that which occurs with normal, physiological reflux.
