There is no medical difference. GERD and GORD are two names for the same condition: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Why two names?
The food pipe is spelled esophagus in American English and oesophagus in British English. So the condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the US and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and some other countries. Because so much research and many guidelines come from the US, "GERD" is used worldwide, including by many UK doctors.
Other spellings you may see
| American (US) | British (UK) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GERD | GORD | Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease |
| esophagus | oesophagus | The food pipe |
| esophagitis | oesophagitis | Inflammation of the food pipe |
| LES | LOS | Lower (o)esophageal sphincter |
| hiatal hernia | hiatus hernia | Stomach pushing up through the diaphragm |
| Barrett's esophagus | Barrett's oesophagus | Change in the lining of the lower food pipe |
| EGD (upper endoscopy) | OGD, gastroscopy | Camera test of the upper digestive tract |
| acetaminophen | paracetamol | Common painkiller |
| anemia | anaemia | Low red blood cells or haemoglobin |
| primary care doctor | GP | Your first port of call |
GERD.org is written in British English but uses "GERD" throughout, because it is the term most people search for.
New to the topic? Start with what is GERD?
Sources
- Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56.
- NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.