GORD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is usually a chronic condition where there is reflux of gastric contents back up the oesophagus. This causes symptoms like:

  • Acid regurgitation
  • Heartburn
  • Less commonly wheezing or cough
GORD triggers
  • Fatty foods
  • Pregnancy
  • Hiatus hernia
  • Family history of GORD
  • Increased intra-gastric pressure from straining and coughing, stress, anxiety, obesity, drug side-effects, smoking and alcohol consumption


GORD in pregnancy 

Dyspepsia in pregnancy is commonly caused by GORD

Drugs causing gord
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Anticholinergics
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Beta-blockers
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Calcium-channel blockers
  • Corticosteroids
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Nitrates
  • Theophyllines
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

Use lowest effective dose

Treatments

Mild Symptoms
Antacids

H2 antagonists or PPI

Severe Symptoms
PPI for 4-6 weeks

Maintain remission with lower dose PPI, intermittent PPI or switching to a H2 receptor antagonists 

Pregnancy

First line: Diet and lifestyle 

Antacids or Alginates

Ranitidine if antacids or alginates not effective

Omeprazole for severe GORD (unlicensed)