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Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when reflux exposes the patient to the risk of physical complications or symptoms lead to a significant impairment of well-being or quality of life.
• Reflux disease is common. Between 15-20% of adults experience heartburn at least once a week.
• Obesity (BMI >30 kg.m-2), alcohol consumption(> 7 standard drinks a week) and a first-degree relative with heartburn increase the risk of having reflux symptoms.
• Patients with connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma and chronic respiratory disease such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, institutionalised and intellectually handicapped patients and patients nursed in a supine position for prolonged periods are at increased risk of reflux disease.
• In most patients, reflux disease is a chronic disorder. Mild symptoms may vary in intensity and occur only on some days. With increasing severity, symptoms tend to occur daily.
• Most GORD patients require long term management.