Effects of posture on gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Continuous oesophageal pH measurements have been used to assess the influence of posture (lying, sitting, bed-up) on gastro-oesophageal reflux. The percentage of time during which oesophageal pH was below 5 and the number of reflux episodes was significantly reduced when patients were in bed-up position than when sitting or lying. There was no significant difference when sitting and lying positions were compared. The results suggest that by adopting the bed-up position (elevation of the head end of the bed with blocks of 28 cm), the patient will have a symptomatic benefit, the frequency of reflux is decreased, and acid clearing is improved.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D013997:Time Factors