Abstract
The gastroesophageal sphincter pressure (GESP) was studied before, during, and after food intake in 9 reflux esophagitis patients and 11 healthy controls. A significant decrease in GESP was observed 5, 10, and 30 min after the beginning of the meal in reflux esophagitis patients, contrasting with an increase during food intake in the control group. In the supine position GESP was significantly lower than in the sitting position in esophagitis patients, contrasting with a significantly higher GESP in the supine position in the control group. These results may explain why patients with gastroesophageal reflux often develop their symptoms during food intake and in the supine position.