Skip to content

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) develops when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus regularly enough to cause symptoms or tissue damage. It is one of the most common digestive complaints, with rising rates linked to urbanisation, high-salt diets, and increasing rates of obesity.

Dexilant

Dexlansoprazole

30 · 60mg

Dexlansoprazole 30mg and 60mg modified-release capsules, used for reflux disease and erosive oesophagitis. A proton pump inhibitor of the H+/K+-ATPase.

From$0.94/ tabletView

Prevacid

Lansoprazole

15 · 30mg

Lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg hard capsules, used for reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. A benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor.

From$0.49/ tabletView

Aciphex

Rabeprazole

10 · 20mg

Rabeprazole gastro-resistant tablets at 10mg and 20mg, used for reflux disease and duodenal ulcer. A proton pump inhibitor that cuts stomach acid output.

From$0.54/ tabletView

Ranitidine Tablets

Ranitidine

150 · 300mg

Ranitidine 150mg and 300mg tablets, used for peptic ulcer disease and reflux disease. An H2-receptor antagonist that cuts stomach acid.

From$0.21/ tabletView

Key points

  • A burning feeling that spreads upward from the stomach into the chest defines heartburn, often triggered by meals or lying down afterwards.
  • Some people notice only a persistent cough, hoarseness or a lump-like throat sensation, with no heartburn at all.
  • As proton pump inhibitors, lansoprazole, rabeprazole and dexlansoprazole form the most effective drug class, generally dosed once daily ahead of breakfast.

What GORD feels like

The classic symptom is heartburn: a burning sensation rising from the upper abdomen toward the chest and throat, often worse after meals or when lying down. Acid regurgitation, a sour or bitter taste reaching the mouth, is equally common. Some people experience a chronic cough, hoarseness, or the sensation of a lump in the throat without obvious heartburn, which can make GORD easy to overlook or confuse with other conditions.

Reducing acid and protecting the oesophagus

Lifestyle adjustments matter: eating smaller meals, avoiding late-night food, cutting back on fatty or spicy dishes, and elevating the head of the bed can all reduce the frequency of reflux episodes.

When changes to diet and habits are not enough, acid-suppressing medicines form the backbone of treatment. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective class, and lansoprazole, rabeprazole and dexlansoprazole all sit in the digestive health group. Ranitidine is an H2 blocker that works differently and may suit milder or intermittent symptoms. PPIs are generally taken before the first meal of the day for best effect.

Seek medical attention promptly if you have difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools, these can signal complications that need investigation beyond standard GORD management.

Further reading