Voice & Swallowing Problems
Globus, Reflux & PEP Test
Reflux disease is a common condition, where the stomach contents pass back up into the oesophagus.
The contents of the stomach (e.g., acid, pepsin, and bile) escape through a valve at the top of the stomach into the oesophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach) and even into the airways. This causes discomfort and the symptoms associated with gastroesopageal reflux such as heartburn, oral damage, burning throat, chronic cough and more.
Normally, the stomach valve - a ring of muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) - opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent contents from flowing back into the oesophagus. Gastroesohpageal reflux disease often results from a weak or damaged LOS, which causes stomach contents to reflux inappropriately. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
During reflux, the contents of the stomach may reflux all the way up to the oesophagus, beyond the upper oesophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle at the top of the oesophagus), and into the back of the throat and possibly the back of the nasal airway. This is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
The symptoms of acid reflux tends to be progressive in that the more a person refluxes, the more damage will be caused to the oesophagus and airways, which in turn will cause further reflux. Some people may also be genetically predisposed to reflux.
Why diagnosis of reflux is important
Continuous, untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease can have a negative impact on quality of life and can progress to major complications such as oesophageal damage, oesophageal cancer, and laryngopharyngeal cancer.
Receiving reflux treatment without first confirming that the symptoms are caused by reflux is risky. Taking medication when it is not required can lead to long-term health issues and may disguise a major disease.
Many people take anti-reflux medications for months or years without realising the risks involved.
Put an end to the uncertainty of whether your symptoms stem from reflux or not. Easily diagnose your reflux using a pepsin test – a simple, non-invasive method that offers the quickest route to taking the next proper actions. https://www.peptest.co.nz/
