Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

GORD, a common complaint that affects 10–30% of people, can be defined as ‘a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications’.¹

GORD symptoms substantially impair all aspects of health-related quality of life across different race groups in South Africa.² Reflux (heartburn), indigestion and abdominal pain are the most bothersome symptoms and many patients suffer from disturbed sleep too.^2,3,4 Atypical symptoms include cough, laryngitis, asthma or dental erosion.¹

Symptoms often occur after meals, especially large or fatty meals, and may be worse when the patient is lying down or bending over.¹

The basis of treatment is acid suppression and the main goals of treatment are to control symptoms and to prevent complications.¹ 

Most patients with GORD require prolonged pharmacotherapy with acid suppressants.¹ Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective drugs in this category and are the mainstay therapy for GORD.¹