Advice for You

General

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR) and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) are different. By definition, GOR is normal, whereas GORD is a disease.

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR) occurs normally in all infants, children and adults during and immediately after meals. GOR refers to the contents of the stomach washing back up from the stomach into the oesophagus. It can wash up to the throat, and even be ejected out of the mouth; in otherwise healthy infants, this can be normal occurrence for a period of time – see Paediatric Leaflet.

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) is present when there are symptoms or signs that are troublesome, or severe, or chronic, or when complications are present. The most common complication is damage to the oesophagus (oesphagitis).

Diagram

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