Gastro-oesophageal reflux

Gastro-oesophageal reflux Gastro-oesophageal reflux, which happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, is a physiological phenomenon, if it happens sporadically in limited quantity, after a meal for example.

If reflux becomes chronic, and therefore abnormal, it is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or GERD, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, in the US. This condition causes bothersome symptoms and, sometimes, mucosal damage and complications.

Gastric reflux can also occur at night, when lying on your back encourages gastric juices to flow back into the oesophagus, leading to a burning feeling in the chest.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is one of the atypical manifestations of reflux and can occur even if there are none of the typical symptoms. Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs when stomach acid flows up into the oropharynx, and then into the larynx.

Find out the symptoms and risk factors of reflux.