ACID REFLUX IS A DISEASE, NOT A BAD MEAL CHOICE

Acid Reflux (also called Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease, or GORD) is caused by a weak muscle in your oesophagus called the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS). The LOS is your body’s reflux barrier. Normally your reflux barrier acts like a one-way valve, allowing food and liquid to pass into the stomach, but preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus. In people with reflux, the reflux barrier allows harmful acid and bile to flow back into the Oesophagus.

Did you know? There are over 65 Million people in the UK and it is estimated that over 1 in 10 people suffer from Reflux Disease. Reflux disease can have a terrible impact on a patients quality of life affecting many aspects of their everyday functioning. For many people, this can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and/or medication prescribed by their GP such as omeprazole and lansoprazole (as well as others). However there are over 2 million people in the UK who do not respond effectively to this treatment and for these people, there are other options they can consider to treat their disease such as a LINX procedure or a fundoplication. More information on these options can be found on our website or alternatively:

GORD Awareness Week – GORD Awareness – The OPA

Order Acid Reflux pack – https://opa.org.uk/product/acid-reflux-awareness-pack/

Mr Nicholas Boyle – A few facts about reflux – https://opa.org.uk/mr-nicholas-boyle-a-few-facts-about-reflux/

Goodnight Acid Reflux, Hello Sleep! Bed Wedge special offer – https://opa.org.uk/bed-wedge-special-offer/

RefluxUK – https://refluxuk.com/

LINX – https://www.jnjmedicaldevices.com/en-GB/treatment/LINX-reflux-surgery

Diagnosis tool – https://refluxuk.com/diagnosis-tool/

Eligibility & symptom checker – https://refluxuk.com/treatments/eligibility-symptom-checker/

OPA Fundoplication leaflet

So what are the symptoms?

Hoarseness
Cough
Sore throat
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Asthma
Nausea
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Shortness of breath

If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis then you should consult your GP for a referral for an endoscopy.

You will not be wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out – in fact you owe it to yourself and your family to do so.

It may be nothing to worry about in which case your mind will be put at rest.

Seeing your doctor without delay may save your life.

Go to see your doctor at the earliest opportunity as experience shows that if you don’t, it could be too late.

“I’d never heard of Oesophageal Cancer until I was told I had got it!”

“I thought acid reflux was just a result of overeating – I didn’t realise that it could lead to cancer”

“I was told that if I’d gone to see the doctor just 3 months earlier they would have been able to cure me. Now it’s too late!”

These are some of the comments that are made by cancer patients