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
Zuckerman MJ, Carrion AF. Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease. BMJ Best Practice. 20 Apr 2021
Van Rensburg C, Kulich KK, Carlsson J, et al. What is the Burden of Illness in Patients with Reflux Disease in South Africa? SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS. 2007;3(3)
Fass R. Sleep & GERD [Online]. IFFGD. 2021. Cited 2 Sep 2021. Available from: https://aboutgerd.org/signs-and-symptoms/sleep-gerd/
Johnson DA, Orr WC, Crawley JA, et al. Effect of Esomeprazole on Nighttime Heartburn and Sleep Quality in Patients with GERD: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterology. 2005;100(9):1914-1922. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.00285.x