Acid reflux (GORD)

When you swallow food or drink, it travels down the oesophagus to your stomach. A muscle named the ‘lower oesophageal sphincter’ opens to let the food or drink into your stomach. This muscle should ‘close’ immediately after the food or drink passes through, however if it doesn’t work perfectly, your stomach acid can reflux back into the oesophagus. Acid reflux can occur without you knowing but often produces a burning sensation (heartburn) – the main symptom of acid reflux.