Subjects Ability to Control Pressure in the Lower Esophageal High Pressure Znoe (HPZ) During Manometry.

Pressure in the lower esophagus has been negatively associated with reflux symptoms: the lower the pressure, the more reflux symptoms. This pressure can be augmented with deep abdominal breathing. This can be detected during esophageal manometry, when a pressure catheter is placed into the esophagus. Manometry is routinely done for swallowing disorders.

This study will take place just after a routine manometry test, when the subject still has the catheter in place. All that is required for the research portion is to observe manometry readings while they breathe, then when they deep breath, then breathe after they have been cued or coached to deep abdominal breathing. This is done in sequence to establish how quickly this pressure can be improved.

This coached breathing is then prescribed as a routine exercise and long term follow up performed via phone to see how their reflux symptoms have responded.