Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) occurs when contents from your stomach—such as food, acid, or gas—flow back up into the oesophagus (the food pipe that connects your mouth to your stomach). This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like:
Heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest or stomach)
Indigestion
A bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
A feeling of fullness or bloating
Occasional chest discomfort
Some people may experience “silent reflux” without obvious symptoms.
Reflux often happens when the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus (called the lower oesophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes abnormally. It can also be linked to a hiatus hernia, where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity.
Many cases of reflux can be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. If your symptoms improve with reflux treatment, that can often confirm the diagnosis.
Testing is usually only needed if:
You’re experiencing vomiting
You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
Food feels like it’s getting stuck
You’ve had unexplained weight loss
The most common test used to investigate reflux is a gastroscopy, which lets your doctor look directly inside your oesophagus and stomach and take small samples (biopsies) if needed.
For most people, reflux is mild and manageable, though it can be uncomfortable. Almost everyone experiences it now and then—especially after overeating or eating certain trigger foods.
However, in some cases, reflux can lead to complications, such as:
Oesophagitis – inflammation of the oesophagus lining
Ulcers or scarring in the oesophagus
Strictures (narrowing of the oesophagus) that can cause food to get stuck
A small number of people may develop a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, where the cells in the lower oesophagus change over time. This condition slightly increases the risk of oesophageal cancer, and regular gastroscopy checks are recommended for monitoring.
The first step in managing reflux is often lifestyle and dietary changes, such as:
Avoiding large or fatty meals
Cutting back on coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods
Not lying down after eating
Quitting smoking
Losing weight if you're overweight
Some people find that avoiding specific foods that trigger their symptoms helps significantly.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend medications. These are usually very effective and safe. Some people use them only when symptoms flare up, while others may need daily long-term treatment, especially if they have complications like oesophagitis.
In rare cases where symptoms are severe and don’t improve with medication, a surgical procedure called fundoplication may be considered.
If you’re struggling with ongoing reflux symptoms or want to know more about your treatment options, talk to your gastroenterologist. Early management can help you feel better and reduce the risk of complications.