ORAL AND PHARYNGEAL TRANSIT IN FUNCTIONAL HEARTBURN

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with slower transit of the bolus through the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter. Functional heartburn has similar symptoms to gastroesophageal reflux disease, however, the symptoms are not caused by reflux.

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate oral and pharyngeal transit in patients with functional heartburn, with the hypothesis that, similar to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, they have changes in pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter transit time.

Methods: Oral and pharyngeal transit was evaluated by videofluoroscopy in eight women with functional heartburn, five with mild dysphagia for solid foods, and 12 female controls. Controls and patients swallowed in duplicate 5 mL and 10 mL of liquid and paste boluses.

Results: No difference in the oral or pharyngeal transit time was found between patients and controls. No aspiration of bolus into the airways was detected in any individual. Pharyngeal residues were detected in the same proportion of swallows, in patients (12.5%) and controls (15.0%), after swallows of 10 mL paste bolus.

Conclusion: Oral, pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter transit time are similar in patients with functional heartburn to healthy controls.