Impact of oesophageal afferent processing on regulatory and protective reflexes, and perception of symptoms [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Ian Cook (Principal investigator)

Brief description 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.

Funding Amount $AUD 247,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant