Acid reflux study may lead to new treatments
June 21st, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
A team of researchers in India hope a new tool for identifying acid reflux disease will lead to improved treatments for the more than 15 million Americans who suffer from the bothersome symptoms. The tool is a molecular imaging device that allows researchers to study the differences between a healthy esophageal muscle and an unhealthy one.
When a person with a normally functioning digestive system swallows, the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a trap door by relaxing and allowing for food and liquids to move into the stomach. Then the muscle tightens, closing this door. For people who suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, that trap door doesn’t close all the way, or it opens too often, so the gastric acid flushes up into the food pipe. This can cause inflammation in the esophagus and bothersome burning heartburn. If this acid continues to burn the esophagus, over time it can lead to more serious issues, such as bleeding or breathing problems, and even cancer.
The molecular imaging study included 49 participants who were scanned upright with a special device that studied how their esophagus muscles and lower-esophageal sphincter were functioning. The test was then performed while patients were lying face down. While patients reported varying degrees of symptoms, almost half showed some problem with their esophagus while lying down, suggesting that abnormal esophageal motility may be the culprit in developing acid reflux.
Researchers hope these findings into the cause of GERD may lead to more drug treatments. Most acid reflux patients are treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications which can only be taken for a short period of time and can lead to serious health consequences.