The use of imaging technology may have found the cause of acid reflux disease, according to a study presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicines annual meeting.
Acid reflux is a condition in which some of the esophageal muscles dont work properly, which allows stomach acids to rise up in the esophagus. Individuals with the disease experience heartburn and could be at risk of developing more severe health complications.
In an effort to better detect the cause of acid reflux, a team of researchers performed upright and horizontal screenings of 49 patients who have been diagnosed or have shown symptoms of the condition. They examined how esophageal muscles were able to perform and how the condition was affected in both positions.
The investigators discovered that seven patients who experienced a mild case of acid reflux also suffered from esophageal motility, a lack of muscle strength in the esophagus. A total of 19 patients with a moderate case were diagnosed with the complication while lying down, and 10 individuals with a severe case of acid reflux all suffered esophageal motility while lying down.
Researchers concluded that discovering that these symptoms become worse while lying down may prove beneficial to developing medicines, which could improve long-term relief in acid reflux patients.
Approximately one in 14 people who reside in the United States suffer from acid reflux on a daily basis, according to AcidRefluxTreatment.org.