BACKGROUND: An induction of gastro-oesophageal reflux has been reported after ingestion of alcoholic beverages in healthy volunteers. However, it is unknown whether reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients will be enhanced by the ingestion of alcoholic beverages. AIM: To investigate the effects of wine and beer on postprandial reflux in reflux patients. METHODS: Twenty-five patients… Read more »
Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach
Lifestyle modifications are first-line therapy for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We applied an evidence-based approach to determine the efficacy of lifestyle measures for GERD management. We used PubMed and Ovid to perform a search of the literature published between 1975 and 2004 using the key words heartburn, GERD, smoking, alcohol, obesity, weight loss,… Read more »
Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were published in 1995 and updated in 1999. These and other guidelines undergo periodic review. Advances continue to be made in the area of GERD, leading us to review and revise previous guideline statements. GERD is defined as symptoms or mucosal damage produced by… Read more »
Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care: results of a survey in 2 areas in Germany
BACKGROUND: The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing. Although guidelines have been issued on the diagnosis and treatment of GERD, the way in which these should be applied in everyday practice is unclear. The aim of the present survey was to interview private-practice physicians on their personal opinions concerning the management of GERD.… Read more »
Gastroesophageal sphincter: a model
Abstract There is substantial experimental and anatomic evidence suggesting that the human lower esophageal sphincter is not a muscular ring but has its correlate in the arrangement of the so-called muscular clasps and oblique sling fibers at the gastroesophageal junction. We assessed the mode of action of these distinct muscle units in a mechanical model.… Read more »
The immediate effects of cessation of cigarette smoking on gastroesophageal reflux
Cigarette smoking is thought to adversely affect gastroesophageal reflux. Eight male patients with endoscopic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux had 24-h esophageal pH monitoring while smoking at least 20 cigarettes. This was repeated while abstaining from smoking the following day. In the initial study period, 28.3% of the reflux time occurred within 20 min of smoking… Read more »
Evaluation of elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets on gastroesophageal reflux
To ascertain how elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets affect gastroesophageal reflux, we used prolonged intraesophageal pH monitoring in 55 symptomatic patients. Acid exposure was separated into reflux frequency and esophageal acid clearance time and recorded during the day in the upright posture and recumbent at night. Values before… Read more »