Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (also known as acid reflux, GORD or GERD) is inflammation of the lining of your oesophagus. This happens when stomach acid leaks up (refluxes) from your stomach.
GORD is more common in smokers, pregnant women, heavy drinkers, people who are overweight and people aged between 35 and 64 years.
GORD is diagnosed when you have heartburn consistently 2 or more times a week.
Common symptoms include:
Pain in your upper abdomen or chest
Feeling sick (nausea)
An acid taste in your mouth
Indigestion (dyspepsia)
A burning pain when you swallow hot drinks.
Less Common symptoms include:
A persistent cough, particularly at night
Wheezing
Mouth or throat symptoms such as gum problems, bad breath, sore throat or hoarseness
Severe chest pain which may be mistaken for a heart attack.
There are many factors including weight, age, medications, stress, diet, function of lower oesophagus and stomach acid levels that can contribute to GORD. Here are Flourish Health Emporium we have an amazing team of nurses, nutritionists and naturopaths who are trained to assist you in finding and treating the cause of your symptoms and identify triggers causing your symptoms.
Once this has been established, we create a treatment plan that will be tailor made to fit your individual case. To do this we use evidence-based suggestions which may include diet and lifestyle recommendations or herbal and nutritional supplements where appropriate while prioritising safety and consulting with your primary health care provider. We also utilize lab testing when appropriate because we believe testing is better than guessing!
