Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition that causes frequent acid reflux. Over time, this condition can damage your oesophagus (food pipe), leading to additional digestive health problems. Our blog covers why it is necessary to receive a diagnosis and what can happen if you don’t manage this condition.
What should I do if I think I have GORD?
Some over-the-counter medications can help manage the occasional episode of acid reflux. However, don’t rely on this long term without a medical assessment. If you experience acid reflux a few times a week, speak to your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medications to reduce acid production in your stomach and recommend lifestyle changes.
If you still experience symptoms, you may have GORD. Your doctor may alter your treatment plan or refer you to a specialist called a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist can recommend appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm your diagnosis and determine the most suitable treatment.
Why must you receive a diagnosis from a medical professional?
A few conditions have similar symptoms, for example, eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), achalasia and gastritis. We must check that you have the correct diagnosis; otherwise, your treatment may be ineffective.
To diagnose this condition, we may recommend:
- Barium swallow
- 24-hour pH impedance test
- 96-hour pH capsule (BRAVO)
- Upper endoscopy (gastroscopy)
- High-resolution oesophageal manometry
Don’t try to self-diagnose or treat this condition alone. Some over-the-counter medications may mask your condition and hide the real cause of your symptoms.
Is acid reflux dangerous?
Frequent acid reflux is not life-threatening. However, it can cause other health problems if left untreated. Dr Sami, our Founder and one of our Consultant Gastroenterologists, explains this further in our video below.
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Complications
Gradually, stomach acid can start to affect the health of your oesophagus and your oral health. If you ignore your symptoms instead of speaking to a medical professional, you increase your risk of complications.
Complications include:
- Oesophagitis
- Oesophageal strictures
- Oesophageal ulcers
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Risk of oesophageal cancer
- Tooth decay and gum disease
We explore each of these further below.
Oesophagitis
As stomach acid irritates your oesophageal lining, it can lead to inflammation. An inflamed oesophagus (oesophagitis) causes painful swallowing, a sore throat, and voice hoarseness.
You are also more likely to experience Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal ulcers and strictures. You must manage your underlying condition with medications and lifestyle changes to allow your oesophagus to heal and prevent further problems.
Oesophageal ulcers
Oesophageal ulcers or sores can cause pain, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing. You might also have chest pain and feel sick. These can form if your oesophageal lining is damaged. In addition to oesophageal ulcers, you may get sores or ulcers in your mouth. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce reflux and allow the ulcers time to heal.
Oesophageal strictures
If you frequently experience inflammation in your oesophagus, you may get a build-up of scar tissue. As a result, your oesophagus will narrow, leading to a stricture, swallowing problems (dysphagia), and possibly weight loss.
If you have a severe case, you may experience difficulty swallowing liquids, which can lead to dehydration. Endoscopic dilatation is the most common treatment for this.
Barrett’s oesophagus
As reflux recurs, the cells in your oesophagus may become more like the cells in your stomach lining. We call this Barrett’s oesophagus. Roughly 10% of people with GORD develop this condition after around five years.
Barrett’s oesophagus doesn’t usually cause symptoms, though you may continue to experience other symptoms. Treatment options range from surveillance to endoscopic resection and HALO radiofrequency ablation. The treatment we recommend will depend on the severity of your condition.
Higher risk of oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is a type of oesophageal cancer and a rare complication of Barrett’s oesophagus. Your risk increases the longer you experience symptoms. It can cause a persistent cough, coughing with blood, unexplained weight loss, and trouble swallowing. However, these symptoms often occur at a later stage.
If we believe your risk of getting this cancer is high, we may recommend regular endoscopies to monitor your condition. We can usually remove this cancer with surgery if we diagnose it early.
Tooth decay and gum disease
Stomach acid is harmful to teeth. It can erode your teeth’s hard outer layer (the enamel) and damage your gums. As the enamel wears down, your teeth may become weaker, leading to cavities. You may have toothaches and see a black, grey, or brown spot on your tooth.
Your dentist might recommend more regular visits if there are signs that GORD is affecting your oral health. Speak to your dentist if you are worried about the health of your teeth and gums.
How to prevent complications
Ensuring you have the correct diagnosis and treatment reduces your risk of additional health problems. Following the management and treatment recommendations provided to you by your doctor or gastroenterologist is essential to control this condition. Read our blog to learn more: Living with GORD: What are the best treatments?
Book an appointment
If you often experience acid reflux and other symptoms, book an appointment to organise diagnostic tests. Our experienced specialists will thoroughly assess your health to determine your diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
At Digestive Health, we personalise your treatment plan according to your needs and preferences, making it even easier to follow. Our clinic also offers a second opinion service if you have GORD but believe your treatment plan isn’t working.
