Esophageal Hypersensitivity May Be A Major Cause of Heartburn

Abstract

Approximately 30% of individuals chronically using antacids for heartburn had esophageal sensitivity to mechanical or chemical stimuli despite negative endoscopy and pH monitoring. Our findings suggest that a significant subset of typical heartburn sufferers have a lower threshold for esophageal sensation and pain, which may influence options for pharmacological intervention in such subjects.