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, lansoprazole and esomeprazole (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:
RefluxUK - refluxuk.com/
LINX – linxforlife.co.uk
