A disorder in which the contents of the STOMACH reflux (back up) into the OESOPHAGUS because the usual neuromuscular mechanisms to prevent this are intermittently or permanently failing to work properly. If persistent, the failure may cause oesophagitis – inflammation of the oesophagus (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF). If a person develops HEARTBURN, regurgitation, discomfort and oesophagitis, the condition is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD; or in US, GERD); sometimes symptoms are so serious as to warrant surgical intervention by FUNDOPLICATION. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is sometimes associated with HIATUS HERNIA.

Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms or by monitoring the production of stomach acid, measured with a pH probe to measure acidity inserted into the oesophagus through the mouth. Severe heartburn, caused by the lining of the OESOPHAGUS being damaged by acid and PEPSIN from the stomach can be confused with simple DYSPEPSIA. Treatment usually recommended is with graded doses of a PROTON-PUMP INHIBITOR drug; if this is not effective after several months, surgery to remedy the reflux may be advised.