What is Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease?

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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a benign disease that occurs when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus (the tube connecting the stomach and mouth). Since the oesophagus does not have the defensive mechanisms to deal with the acidic substances of the stomach, its mucosa becomes irritated and injured.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease explained in first person

Professionals and patients explain how you live with the disease
It is a reversible and curable disease. It develops benignly and will disappear if you follow all the measures proposed: diet, exercise and avoiding stress and obesity.
Whatever I ate, or even eating nothing I had an acid stomach.

GORD is mainly caused by a weakness of the main defensive factors such as the anti-reflux barrier and the lower oesophageal sphincter, not by high acid production.

Gastric acid passing into the oesophagus is something that happens to almost everyone and can be considered physiological; that is, normal. It is considered unhealthy only when it has a significant impact on patients and alters their quality of life.

It can appear with symptoms only (non-erosive GORD), with mucosal injury or with both symptoms and lesions (erosive GORD).

How many people does Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease affect?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is one of the most common digestive disorders. It is the second most common reason for consultation in the digestive medicine speciality, after abdominal pain.

It is estimated that 8-33% of the world population and 9.8% of the Spanish population have the classic symptoms of reflux (heartburn and regurgitation). This incidence is increasing and affects all ages and both sexes.

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Substantiated information by:

Helena Hernàndez Èvole

Published: 29 November 2023
Updated: 29 November 2023

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