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What is Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition where stomach acid leaves the stomach and enters the oesophagus (gullet). 

The symptoms of GORD can include:

  • Heartburn – burning chest pain or discomfort that occurs after eating
  • An unpleasant sour taste in the mouth, caused by stomach acid coming back up into the mouth (regurgitation)
  • Pain and difficulty swallowing
  • Coughing 
  • Sore throat 
  • Unpleasant taste or a sensation of a lump in the throat 

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What Causes GORD? 

Causes of GORD include:

  • Weakness in the valve (sphincter) between the stomach and oesophagus
  • High pressure in the abdomen (e.g. due to pregnancy or obesity)
  • Presence of a stomach ulcer
  • A hiatus hernia 
  • A bacterial or viral infection
  • Sometimes reflux can occur after some operations on the stomach or oesophagus
  • Large doses and prolonged use of aspirin/ibuprofen which may irritate the stomach and aggravate symptoms.
  • Diet 
  • Drinking excess alcohol 
  • Smoking 
  • Family history of GORD

Tips to Reduce Symptoms

Lifestyle: 

Most treatments recommend making lifestyle changes. For example:

  • If you are overweight, then losing weight may help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. 
  • Avoid lying down or bending over soon after eating.
  • Avoid tight fitting clothes, especially around your waist as these can cause extra pressure
  • If you smoke, consider giving up. For more information on giving up smoking, please call the NHS Smoke Free National Helpline on 0300 123 1044 or use the NHS website to find your local smoking service.

Dietary: 

  • Eat three regular meals per day or alternatively try to have 4-6 smaller, more frequent meals 
  • Eat slowly and chew food well
  • Avoid drinking with meals to reduce stomach pressure 
  • Avoid eating ‘on the go’ 
  • Leave at least two hours between your last meal and going to bed. If symptoms are severe at night, try sleeping in a semi upright position
  • Consider reducing your intake of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea 
  • Limit alcohol intake to 2 units per day (14 units per week) in line with government recommendations 
  • Avoid hot, spicy foods such as curry 
  • Avoid fatty, fried or greasy foods 
  • Only avoid foods that cause symptoms, as it is important to follow a balanced and varied diet.

If dietary changes fail to control symptoms, medications or surgery may be required. Please consult your GP or medical team for further support.

Additional Resources: 

• NHS Smoke Free National Helpline: http://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhsstop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/

• NHS Heartburn and acid reflux: www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/ 

• GUTS UK!: https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/heartburn-and-reflux/

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.

About this information

Service:
Dietetics

Reference:
DT/036

Approval date:
1 July 2025

Review date:
1 July 2028

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.