GORD

GORD is a condition that occurs when the muscles at the bottom of the oesophagus become weak or the pressure in the abdomen rises. This allows the contents of the stomach and the stomach acid that aids in the digestion of food to move up into the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn or acid reflux.

Mobi Doctor provides an online platform to connect with a licensed doctor and discuss your symptoms and medical issues. The doctor can help you identify your symptoms' source and provide the most suitable treatment.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease  symptoms include

• Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest, often worse at night and after eating.
  
  
• It can also lead to the regurgitation of stomach acid, which can cause an acidic taste in the mouth.

Other symptoms can include

• Bloating
  
  
• Burping
  
  
• Feeling sick or sometimes being sick
  
  
• A sore throat
  
  
• Bad breath
  
  
• Pain when swallowing

Symptoms of GORD can range from minor to severe, with some sufferers feeling mild pain or discomfort while others experience severe pain. It is essential to seek medical advice if you believe you may have GORD; if left untreated, it can cause further complications.

A visit to the doctor is usually sufficient for them to diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Generally, no additional tests or examinations are necessary.

Our doctors will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing, the frequency of their occurrence, and whether certain activities or situations seem to worsen or trigger them. They will also want to know how the symptoms impact your daily life.

If your symptoms do not appear typical of GORD or seem unusual, tests or other investigative methods may be recommended to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.

When the lower oesophageal sphincter muscles weaken, or the pressure in the stomach increases, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can occur. This causes the stomach's contents, as well as the stomach acid that helps break down food, to move upwards into the oesophagus, causing chest pain, known as heartburn and acid reflux.

Although the precise origin of GORD is not always clear, certain factors may increase an individual's risk of developing this condition.

These could consist of:

• Wearing tight clothes
  
  
• Medications
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Gastroparesis
  
  
• Smoking
  
  
• Spicy or fatty foods
  
  
• Being overweight
  
  
• Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and fizzy drinks can all lead to the condition.
  
  
• Hiatus hernia
  
  
• Stress and anxiety
  
  
• Genetics

GORD can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, or stronger medications requiring a doctor's prescription.

Adjusting your diet, such as eating smaller meals throughout the day, can be a helpful form of self-treatment. It is also beneficial to lose weight if you are overweight. Quitting smoking can reduce the severity of your symptoms if you are a smoker.

If over-the-counter medication such as antacids or alginates doesn’t relieve your symptoms, you may need to consult a doctor who can prescribe you more potent medication.

Women expecting may experience heartburn and indigestion more often if they have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This is a common condition during pregnancy.

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands and puts pressure on the stomach. This can cause stomach acid to return to the oesophagus, leading to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) symptoms.

Depending on the severity, a doctor can discuss potential treatments with you. GORD can be managed safely for pregnant women with various medications, and a doctor can recommend the most appropriate ones.

If you are currently using medication to manage GORD and become pregnant, it is best to consult a doctor to ensure your current medicine is safe. If not, they may be able to offer an alternative.

Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.