Visceral Sensation In Complicated And Uncomplicated Upper Gastrointestinal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$66,929.00
Summary
50% of patients with complications of peptic ulcer (bleeding) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (Barrett's Oesophagus) have no symptoms of their diseases. In contrast, 50% of patients who seek treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms are found to have no cause after investigations. The aims of this study are to explore differences in sensation, muscular function and genetic factors between patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders and patients with complicated organic disorders.
Impact Of Oesophageal Afferent Processing On Regulatory And Protective Reflexes, And Perception Of Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$247,500.00
Summary
Symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and regurgitation, are extremely common, occurring weekly in 20% of the population. Curiously, about 1-4 of people with heartburn don't have any more acid exposing their oesophagus than do normal people. We do not understand this apparent increased sensitivity. Many patients with reflux present with cough, asthma, hoarseness, sore throat or even lung fibrosis. Regurgitation of acid causes some of these conditions. It is estimated that 60% of adult asthmatics ha ....Symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and regurgitation, are extremely common, occurring weekly in 20% of the population. Curiously, about 1-4 of people with heartburn don't have any more acid exposing their oesophagus than do normal people. We do not understand this apparent increased sensitivity. Many patients with reflux present with cough, asthma, hoarseness, sore throat or even lung fibrosis. Regurgitation of acid causes some of these conditions. It is estimated that 60% of adult asthmatics have reflux for example. The purpose of this research is to examine the notion that the sensory nerves coming from the oesophagus are somehow tuned up to fire off too readily. If true this phenomenon may well underlie the inappropriate relaxation of the oesophageal valve mechanisms that normally prevent acid flowing up into the throat and into the airways. Additionally it may explain why so many sufferers seem to be hypersensitive to even small amounts of acid. These studies will better define the nerve pathways involved in heartburn and regurgitation and help us target these diseases with specific drugs in the future.Read moreRead less