Episodes of retrograde flow of stomach contents back into the oesophagus. Frequent (>2 episodes/week) or severe symptoms which impact quality of life = GORD

Gastric Acid pH-1 (million times > than blood)

Demographics

15-20% adults report heartburn at least once a week

Aetiology

Oesophagus very resistant to mechanical damage from foods, but sensitive to acid damage. normally protected by Lower Sphincter (LOS). Decreased lower oesophageal tone or increased abdominal pressure → GORD. In many cases, no definitive cause is identified.

Risk factors

• Alcohol
• tobacco
• obesity
• pregnancy
• hiatal hernia
• delayed gastric emptying
• increased gastric volume.
• Age >50
• Low SES