Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – an update for the Pharmacist: Module 1, 2024

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• on March 6, 2024
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Occasional reflux is normal and can occur in healthy infants, children, and adults,
most often after eating a meal. These episodes are brief and do not cause
bothersome symptoms or complications. In contrast, people with gastro-oesophageal
reflux disease experience bothersome symptoms or damage to the oesophagus
because of the acid reflux.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is one of the most common
gastrointestinal conditions, affecting 10 to 20 % of adults in Western societies. It also
occurs frequently in infants.

Much has changed but much has remained the same in the management of GORD.
For example, although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the medical treatment of
choice for GORD, some publications have raised questions about adverse events,
raising questions about the long-term use and over-prescribing of PPIs.

This module provides evidence-based recommendations and practical guidance for
the pharmacist on the management of GORD, including both lifestyle and treatment
approaches.