Abstract

To determine whether symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux are related to the degree of oesophageal acid exposure, 190 patients (of 220 referred) with heartburn and acid regurgitation were compared with 50 normal subjects. A definite relationship between frequency of reflux symptoms and degree of oesophageal acid exposure was found both in patients with and without oesophagitis. We conclude that the frequency of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms is related to degree of oesophageal acid exposure.