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Health condition

Acid reflux and GORD

Acid reflux is stomach acid rising into the oesophagus; when it happens often enough to cause symptoms or damage it is called GORD.

Why trust this guide

  • 01

    Editorial team

    Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.

  • 02

    Sourced from guidance

    Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.

  • 03

    Current for 2026

    Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.

Key facts

The essentials at a glance.

The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.

  • Typical symptoms: heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest discomfort after meals or at night

  • See your GP urgently if you have difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools

  • Specialist: a consultant gastroenterologist arranges endoscopy and pH studies where needed

  • Treatment options include lifestyle change, proton pump inhibitors, H. pylori eradication and anti-reflux surgery for selected patients

Understanding the condition

What it is and what happens next.

What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.

What it is and how it feels

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) develops when the valve between the stomach and oesophagus lets acid rise too often. The result is heartburn, a sour taste, chest discomfort, and sometimes cough or hoarseness, typically worse after large meals or when lying down.

Diagnosis and treatment routes

Most people are diagnosed on symptoms and treated with a course of a proton pump inhibitor plus lifestyle change; endoscopy is arranged for red-flag symptoms or when treatment fails. Persistent cases may need pH monitoring and, occasionally, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.

Seeing a specialist

Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.

The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant gastroenterologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Acid reflux and GORD.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What is acid reflux and GORD?

    Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, and when this happens frequently and causes troublesome symptoms or damage, it is diagnosed as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

  • What causes acid reflux and GORD?

    It is caused by a weakened or relaxed lower oesophageal sphincter allowing acid to escape upwards, often worsened by obesity, hiatus hernia, smoking, alcohol, certain foods, and pregnancy.

  • What are the symptoms of GORD?

    Common symptoms include heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and sometimes a chronic cough or hoarse voice, often worse after eating or when lying down.

  • Is GORD dangerous?

    Most cases are manageable and not dangerous, but long-standing untreated GORD can lead to oesophagitis, strictures, or Barrett's oesophagus, which carries a small increased risk of oesophageal cancer.

  • Can GORD be prevented or cured?

    GORD can often be well controlled, and sometimes resolved, through weight loss, dietary changes, avoiding trigger foods, not eating late at night, and reducing alcohol and smoking, alongside medication when needed.

  • How is GORD treated?

    Treatment typically starts with lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medications like proton pump inhibitors, with surgery (fundoplication) reserved for severe or medication-resistant cases.

  • How long does it take for GORD treatment to work?

    Many people notice symptom improvement within one to two weeks of starting acid-suppressing medication and lifestyle changes, though full healing of any oesophageal inflammation can take four to eight weeks.

  • GORD vs a hiatus hernia — what's the difference?

    A hiatus hernia is a structural condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, which can contribute to or worsen GORD, but GORD itself refers to the symptoms and damage caused by acid reflux, which can occur with or without a hiatus hernia.

  • When is surgery needed for GORD?

    Surgery is generally considered when symptoms persist despite maximal medical therapy, or when there are complications such as a large hiatus hernia, severe oesophagitis, or a strong preference to avoid long-term medication.

  • When should I see a doctor about acid reflux and GORD, and how quickly can I be seen privately?

    See a doctor if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatment, or if you have difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or vomiting blood, which need urgent assessment. NHS gastroenterology referral can take 20 to 45 or more weeks, while private consultant review is often available within about two weeks.