GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), acid reflux and acid regurgitation are all caused by acid refluxing from the stomach (which is an acidic environment) into the oesophagus (food pipe) which is not normally an acidic environment. The oesophagus has a different lining to the stomach so acid causes irritation. GORD can cause a range of problems from symptoms of acid burning but with no damage, to inflammation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis) or permanent change (Barrett's oesophagus). The severity of the symptoms is a very poor guide to the severity of any damage so gastroscopy is often required to asses these symptoms. Common causes of these symptoms include a hiatus hernia and dietary and lifestyle factors.
.png)
