Acid reflux is a common condition which occurs when some of the acid content from your stomach flows up into the oesophagus - the gullet, which is responsible for moving food down from the mouth.
In order to help with food digestion, the stomach contains strong acid. The stomach is protected from the acid as it has a special, protective lining which the oesophagus does not have.
A special muscle called the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS), acts as a valve that allows the food into the stomach but prevents it from going back up into the oesophagus. When the valve becomes weak or fails and the stomach contents are regurgitated into the oesophagus, you will experience symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.
What is the difference between Acid Reflux and GORD?
Acid Reflux - refers to stomach acid moving back up into the oesophagus. It occurs when the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS) becomes weak or fails to keep the food contents in the stomach and out of the lower oesophagus. The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn – a painful sensation in the chest, often mistaken for a heart attack.
GORD – is a chronic condition which results from experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week. It can lead to other symptoms such as swelling of the oesophagus, ulceration as well as chronic sore throat and cough.