INTRODUCTION In normal subjects, transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLOSRs) and gas reflux during belching are suppressed in the supine position. Supine reflux, however, is a feature of reflux disease.

AIMS To investigate whether postural suppression of TLOSRs and gas reflux is impaired in patients with reflux disease.

PATIENTS Ten patients with erosive oesophagitis.

RESULTS In the sitting position gastric distension substantially increased the rate of gas reflux (median (interquartile range)), as evidenced by increases in oesophageal common cavities from 1 (0–1)/10 min to 7 (5–10)/10 min and TLOSRs from 1 (1–1.5)/10 min to 6 (2.5–8)/10 min. However, this effect was suppressed in the supine position in all but one patient (TLOSRs 0 (0)/10 min to 1 (0–4.5)/10 min, common cavities 0 (0)/10 min to 0.5 (0–2)/10 min).

CONCLUSIONS Postural suppression of TLOSRs and gas reflux is generally preserved in reflux disease.