Peptest

14/11/2025

Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition where the lining of the oesophagus changes due to long-term reflux, can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a widely used treatment to remove damaged tissue, using heat energy to destroy abnormal cells in the oesophagus.

A recent study examines how different follow-up treatments after RFA might affect the recovery of the oesophagus lining and the risk of Barrett’s returning. 👇🏽

Post-treatment approaches after radiofrequency ablation may influence the recovery and recurrence of Barrett’s oesophagus, study claims

12/11/2025

Alcohol use disorder affects millions of people and contributes to nearly 178,000 deaths every year in the US. It is treatable, including in routine primary care, but it is also widely missed. Many patients with alcohol use disorder are never screened, never diagnosed and never offered support.

Adults diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) within the next two years – especially under the age of 58 – according to new research from Saint Louis University.

Researchers say this could be a chance for GPs to ask about drinking earlier.

Adults diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder within two years: study.

07/11/2025

Experts advise you to avoid eating meals two to three hours before bedtime to allow the stomach to partially empty its contents before you sleep.

A full stomach puts pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter, a valve that should keep stomach acid down, causing it to open and allow contents to escape.

Because large meals put pressure on your stomach, also try eating smaller portions on an evening.

05/11/2025

Reflux chest pain can feel very similar to cardiac pain, which is why the two are often confused. There’s also growing interest in how reflux-related inflammation might interact with blood vessels over time.

Researchers, in a new review published in JGH Open, reports that people with diagnosed gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) went on to have more cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) – heart attack – than people without GERD.

Learn more here 👇🏽

A new review suggests that people with diagnosed gastro-oesophageal reflux disease have more heart attacks than people without GERD.

31/10/2025

Ever noticed how reflux can feel worse when you’re slouched on the sofa or hunched over a laptop at your desk? Poor posture can put pressure on your stomach, making it easier for stomach contents to move up into the oesophagus.

Studies suggest that maintaining an upright posture also helps reduce pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter, a stomach valve that stops stomach contents from refluxing.

Try staying upright for at least 30 minutes after meals. Gravity can be your pal here, as it helps keep stomach contents from creeping up.

Avoid slumping at your desk: If you work at a desk, consider a chair with good lumbar support. You could even try a standing desk to see if that alleviates some symptoms.

Find more tips 👇🏽

From small tweaks in how you sit to easy breathing exercises, here are a few natural tricks that might bring you some relief for reflux.

30/10/2025

Researchers have investigated whether dry powder inhalers (DPIs) – devices commonly used for asthma and other lung conditions – could be adapted to deliver drugs directly to the laryngopharynx.

The research focused on understanding how factors like particle size, breathing technique and inhaler design influence how much medication reaches the throat.

Although the study didn’t evaluate any specific medications, its findings are relevant for future treatment strategies, particularly those aimed at conditions like Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), where targeting the throat directly is key.

Learn more here 👇🏽

Dry powder inhalers, used for managing asthma, could be repurposed to treat reflux, if designed with the right particle size, says study.

28/10/2025

As a stomach enzyme carried up with reflux, pepsin can attach to the lining of the throat, voice box and oesophagus, stay there inactive but stable, and reactivate with acid, irritating these tissues and contributing to soreness, hoarseness, chronic cough and a burning or raw sensation.

Peptest is a quick, non-invasive saliva test that detects the presence of pepsin.

Order your test online 👇🏽

https://www.peptest.co.uk/order/

24/10/2025

Think reflux might explain night-time heartburn, a sore throat, cough, or regurgitation?

Peptest is a non-invasive pepsin saliva test you can use at home to help diagnose LPR and reflux.

Order your Peptest kit online 👇🏽

https://www.peptest.co.uk/order/

21/10/2025

Scientists have studied whether Gaviscon Infant works alongside different baby milks.

Results suggest it reduced 'reflux' in a lab setup using standard, hydrolysed and amino-acid formulas, though clinical studies in infants are still needed.

Learn more about the study 👇🏽

New lab study found that Gaviscon Infant powder reduced simulated reflux across a range of baby milk formulas.

17/10/2025

As we age, it’s not unusual to experience new or worsening digestive symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation or chest discomfort associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD).

But while lifestyle changes and age-related physical changes are often blamed, new genetic research suggests that ageing and reflux may actually share a deeper biological connection.

Learn more about a 2025 study that examines the genetic overlap between GORD and age-related traits. 👇🏽

https://www.peptest.co.uk/new-research-suggests-ageing-and-reflux-are-genetically-linked

16/10/2025

Many of the symptoms experienced by Peptest customers are related to the throat, upper airways, mouth, chest and general gastrointestinal symptoms. At least 70 per cent of customers present with throat symptoms.

Order your reflux testing kit here 👇🏽

https://www.peptest.co.uk/order/

08/10/2025

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus runs down the back of your nose and into your throat, causing a persistent cough, sore or scratchy throat, and the feeling of a lump in your throat.

It can be more noticeable at night and has been associated with reflux disease.

Learn more about reflux 👇🏽

https://www.peptest.co.uk/reflux/