Detailed investigations and objective measurements in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms should be performed with the intent of a) making the appropriate diagnosis, and b) enabling choice of appropriate therapy. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) has increased significantly in recent years providing great relief in patients with acid related symptoms but also leading to side effects and a significant economic burden. Correct diagnosis and phenotyping of patients with symptoms attributed to gastroesophageal reflux through detailed investigations is thus imperative. This will lead to improved patient outcomes and rationalized use of currently available treatment options.

Watch Prof Daniel Sifrim’s interview with Dr Ian Beales about his main talk on ‘Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease’.

Biographies

Dr Ian Beales

Dr Beales is Clinical Associate Professor in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology, University of East Anglia and Consultant Gastroenterologist, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. He is currently Director of the Norwich GI Physiology Service, Director of the Norwich Endoscopy Training Centre and Chair of the Examination Board and Head of Question writing for the ESEGH examination. After qualifying from Barts in London, he completed Gastroenterology training in London, Cambridge, Norwich and undertook a period of research at University or Michigan. His initial original research for his MD was on the pathogenesis of H pylori infection and gastric secretory function. He has expanded these interests and maintains broad clinical and research interests in all aspects of GI physiology and pharmacology, as well as education and training. He has authored over 170 original papers. He is Chief and Principal investigator in a portfolio of academic and commercial clinical trials. He was Chair of the BSG gastroduodenal section 2018-2023 and is currently a member of the oesophageal and small bowel/nutrition section committees.

Prof Daniel Sifrim

Daniel Sifrim is a Gastroenterologist, trained in Argentina and Belgium, with both clinical and scientific interest in oesophageal benign disorders. He contributed with the development of diagnostic techniques for oesophageal motility disorders and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (high resolution manometry, oesophageal impedance and salivary pepsin measurements). He is Emeritus Professor of Gastrointestinal Physiology at Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK. He is co-director of the Neurogastroentertology Department at Princess Grace Hospital, London.