Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition where the contents of the stomach reflux into the oesophagus, which can cause pain, inflammation and damage to the oesophagus. Knowing the red flags for GORD can help people to identify the condition and seek treatment promptly.
The most common red flags for GORD are heartburn and acid reflux. People with GORD often experience burning pain in the chest and/or a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. They may also experience nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, bloating and belching. In some cases, people may experience coughing, hoarseness, asthma-like symptoms, bad breath, and/or chest pain.
Other potential red flags for GORD include unintentional weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. In more severe cases, people may experience chronic coughing at night, pain in the upper abdomen, and/or regurgitation of food or liquids. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications such as bleeding, narrowing of the oesophagus, and Barrett’s oesophagus, which is a precancerous condition.
If you experience any of these red flags, it is important to seek medical advice so that the condition can be diagnosed and treated promptly. Treatment for GORD usually involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, not eating close to bedtime, elevating the head of the bed, and quitting smoking. In addition, medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid production.
In some cases, surgery may be required if other treatments are not successful. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the red flags for GORD and seek medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms.
