Gastro-Oesophagael Reflux Disease

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August 2015

Department of Health and Social CareRheynn Slaynt as Kiarail y Theay

Gastro-Oesophagael Reflux Disease

What is gastro-oesophagael reflux disease?

The food we eat travels down the oesophagus, or gullet, and into the stomach,where it is mixed with stomach acid and other chemicals which begin theprocess of digestion. The stomach is protected from the effects of the acid by alayer of mucus. At the top of the stomach there is a ring of muscle (a sphincter)which relaxes to let food go down, but then tightens after eating to prevent theacidic stomach contents from leaking up (refluxing) into the oesophagus. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD for short, is the general term for the rangeof symptoms that can occur when this sphincter is not working properly.

What are the symptoms?

• Heartburn: burning chest pain or discomfort that occurs after eating. Thisis typically a sharp burning pain either in the chest or between the shoulder-blades.

• Acid reflux: you may have an unpleasant acid taste in your mouth.

• Burping or belching

• Less commonly: A persistent cough, particularly at night; difficultyswallowing (dysphagia)

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Oesophagus

Stomach

Sphincter

Liver

Gut

Inflammation

is here where

acid refluxes

from stomach

What causes acid reflux and whom does it affect?

GORD can occur because of:

• a weakness of the sphincter

• high pressure put on the abdomen, for example, in people who areoverweight or pregnant women

• high pressure inside the stomach, caused by consuming large volumes offood and/or liquid

• a hiatus hernia.

Regular heartburn is more common in smokers, pregnant women, heavydrinkers, those who are overweight, and those aged between 35 and 64 years.

What can I do to help with symptoms?

The following lifestyle changes are commonly advised to ease symptoms of reflux:

• Stop smoking. The chemicals from cigarettes relax the circular band ofmuscle (sphincter) at the bottom of the gullet (oesophagus) and make acidleaking up (refluxing) more likely.

• Reduce weight. If you are overweight it puts extra pressure on thestomach and encourages acid reflux.

• Avoid rich or fatty foods

• Avoid irritants. These include: highly spiced foods, alcohol and caffeine(tea and coffee)

• Eat smaller meals at regular intervals and chew food well.

• Posture. Avoid bending down, lifting or lying down after meals.

• Bedtime. If symptoms recur most nights, the following may help:

° Go to bed with an empty stomach. To do this, don't eat in the last threehours before bedtime, and don't drink in the last two hours before bedtime.

° If you are able, try raising the head of the bed by 10-20 cms (for example,with books or bricks under the bed's legs). This helps gravity to keep acidfrom refluxing into the oesophagus. If you do this, do not use additionalpillows, because this may increase tummy (abdominal) pressure.

• Some medicines may make symptoms worse. They may irritate theoesophagus or relax the sphincter muscle and make acid reflux more likely.Your doctor will be able to discuss your medication with you.

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The Information in this booklet can be provided in large printor in audio format on request.

Department of Health and Social CareNoble’s Hospital, Braddan

Isle of Man IM4 4RJTelephone: 01624 650000

Email: hospital.nobles@gov.im

If you have any queries about what personal data is held about you or what processing ofthe data is being undertaken in relation to this service then please contact Noble’s Hospital.

Printed: August 2015

Printed by Bridson & Horrox www.gov.im/health Review: August 2016

Department of Health and Social CareRheynn Slaynt as Kiarail y Theay