Reflux, Heartburn & GORD Explained — Causes, Symptoms and Your Treatment Options

From occasional heartburn to chronic GORD, here’s how to identify the problem and choose the right treatment.

What is GORD?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a digestive condition where stomach contents travel back into the oesophagus. In the United States, it’s called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), but in Australia and the UK, the GORD spelling is used. Many people also know it simply as acid reflux or reflux.

When reflux occurs, stomach acid and digestive contents irritate the oesophagus, which can cause symptoms such as:

  • A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
  • Bringing up swallowed food or liquid (regurgitation)
  • Sudden excess saliva mixed with stomach acid (waterbrash)
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Night-time cough, asthma flare-ups, or throat irritation

While occasional reflux is common, frequent or severe symptoms may indicate GORD, which can have multiple underlying causes and may require tailored treatment.

Causes GORD?

The most common cause is a weak lower oesophageal sphincter — the valve that normally stops stomach contents from rising.

Other causes include:

Triggers That Can Make Reflux Worse

Some lifestyle and dietary factors can aggravate reflux:

  • Large meals or lying down soon after eating
  • Coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
  • Spicy or fatty foods
  • Smoking
  • Certain medications, such as aspirin

Possible Complications of GORD

If left untreated, chronic acid reflux can cause:

  • Oesophagitis –  inflammation of the oesophagus, which may lead to ulcers or bleeding
  • Oesophageal strictures – scarring and narrowing that make swallowing harder
  • Barrett’s oesophagus – a pre-cancerous change in the lining of the oesophagus
  • Aspiration-related problems – pneumonia, chronic cough, or worsening asthma from stomach contents entering the lungs

 

How GORD is Diagnosed?

At Morphē, we assess reflux thoroughly to find its cause, as treatment can vary depending on the underlying issue.

Diagnosis may involve:

  • Endoscopy 
  • Barium swallow or CT swallow imaging
  • Oesophageal manometry – measuring muscle and valve function
  • 24-hour pH monitoring – checking acid exposure in the oesophagus over a full day

 

Treatment Options for GORD

Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms, triggers, and diagnostic results.

Lifestyle & Diet Changes

  • Avoid trigger foods and drinks (coffee, alcohol, spicy foods)
  • Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down soon after eating
  • Quit smoking
  • Elevate the head of your bed to reduce night-time symptoms

 

Over-the-Counter Relief

There are a range of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can provide short-term relief  for reflux, however they will not address the underlying cause.

Prescription Medications

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce acid production for most of the day. They do not stop reflux episodes entirely, however, and long-term use should be monitored due to potential side effects like osteoporosis or pneumonia.

Surgical Options

Surgery may be considered if medication is ineffective or not desired long-term, particularly when symptoms are linked to a hiatus hernia.

Common procedures include:

These are typically performed laparoscopically, with a 1–2 day hospital stay.

When to See a Specialist

You should seek medical advice if you:

  • Have reflux symptoms more than twice a week
  • Experience difficulty swallowing
  • Notice blood in vomit or stools
  • Have unexplained weight loss
  • Experience persistent chest discomfort

Treatment for GORD at Morphē

At Morphē, we work with patients to identify the underlying cause of reflux and tailor treatment to ensure its effective for your specific situation. Whether that’s lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical repair, we will work with you on what’s right for you.

If you’d like to explore your treatment options, book a consultation to see Dr George Balalis or Dr Jesse Beumer today.

References & Further Reading