Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

Comprehensive care with compassion and expertise

At CHA, we combine a wide range of medical, surgical and allied health specialities, to provide an in-house multidisciplinary health care experience.

What is GORD?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus (food pipe), causing irritation and inflammation. It affects people of all ages and is very common.

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Weakness of the valve between the stomach and oesophagus
  • Hiatus hernia
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • Certain foods (fatty, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol)
  • Some medications

Symptoms & How It May Present

  • Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
  • Acid regurgitation or sour taste in the mouth
  • Chest discomfort
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chronic cough, throat clearing, or hoarseness

Symptoms may be intermittent or persistent and often worsen after meals or when lying flat.

How Is It Diagnosed?

  • Clinical assessment based on symptoms
  • Trial of acid-suppressing medication
  • Gastroscopy if symptoms persist, are severe, or if alarm features are present

Treatment & Management Options

  • Lifestyle measures (diet changes, weight loss, avoiding late meals)
  • Acid-suppressing medications (e.g. proton pump inhibitors)
  • Treating contributing factors such as hiatus hernia
  • Surgery is rarely required

Living With / Managing GORD

Most people achieve good symptom control with lifestyle changes and medication. Long-term monitoring may be required in selected cases.

Prevention & Risk Reduction

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid trigger foods
  • Eat smaller meals
  • Avoid lying down soon after eating
  • Stop smoking

When to Seek Medical Advice

  • Difficulty or pain with swallowing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Black stools or vomiting blood
  • Symptoms not improving with treatment

Timely Access

We aim to provide rapid referral and appointment times so you don’t have to wait to be seen.

Comprehensive Assessment

Our specialists use the latest imaging and diagnostic tools to identify your condition quickly and accurately.

Collaborative Care

We work closely with GPs, hospitals and other specialists to coordinate every stage of your treatment.

Personalised Treatment

Each care plan is tailored to your specific condition, goals and long-term heart health.

Ongoing Support

We provide regular follow-up, education and lifestyle guidance to help you stay healthy and prevent future problems.

Patient Journey

Your path to better health starts here. From your first consultation to recovery, we’re with you every step.

Book & prepare

Easy booking & prep guides

See your specialist

Urgent appointments are available

Get diagnosed

Advanced testing & collaborative review

Start treatment

Integrated hospital & clinic care

Recover & support

Follow-up, allied health & lifestyle advice

Why choose Complete
 Health Australia

Experienced specialists
Our doctors are leaders in their fields.
Collaborative approach
We work closely with your GP and other treating clinicians to ensure joined-up, evidence-based care.
On-site diagnostic services
Selected cardiac investigations can be performed at the clinic, helping streamline assessment and follow-up.
Modern, comfortable rooms
Purpose-designed consulting rooms to support private, unhurried conversations and thorough assessments.
Support to navigate the system
Our team can help with referrals, Medicare questions, and follow-up bookings.