GORD Causes

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

There are a number of things that can contribute to GORD developing, including:

Genetics – it is thought that this may play a part in the development of GORD. There have been a number of cases where members of the same family suffer from the condition, suggesting it is somehow passed on.
Hiatus hernia – the top of your stomach bulges up towards the diaphragm.
Being overweight – this can increase the pressure on your stomach.
Stress and anxiety - this can affect your body in many different ways, including the way that your digestive tract functions.
Smoking - chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause the muscles at the base of your oesophagus to relax.
Medications - some painkillers, antidepressants and other medications can cause symptoms of GORD, or make them worse.
Spicy or fatty foods – these can aggravate your stomach lining.
Pregnancy - your growing womb can increase pressure on the stomach, and hormonal changes can also lead to heartburn.
Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and fizzy drinks can all lead to the condition.
Gastroparesis - this is when the stomach acid stays in your stomach for too long, and can move up into your oesophagus.
Wearing tight clothes – this can restrict the muscles, so they can’t work as they should.

If you are experiencing heartburn and indigestion regularly, and over-the-counter treatment is not helping, it can lead to damage of the oesophagus over a long period of time, so you should speak to a doctor.

At Push Doctor, our GPs are here to help. They can listen to your symptoms, provide you with a stronger treatment if necessary and look into what could be causing the problem to help prevent it in the future.

NHS, Heartburn and acid reflux, 24/08/2017.
nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/
NHS Inform, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), 01/06/2017.
nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord#causes

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

What causes GORD?

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