Northumbria University is investigating which foods are linked with reflux or associated symptoms and is looking for volunteers to join its study.
Students at the University have developed two questionnaires – aimed at patients aged 18 to 40 years and the over 65s age range.
They should be currently experiencing reflux-related symptoms – this can include (but is not limited to) heartburn, an unpleasant sour/acidic taste in the mouth, feeling of a lump in the throat, bloating, nausea, strong burping, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food/liquid or a hoarse voice.
Participation will involve completing a 10-15 minute questionnaire on typical reflux symptoms and a three-day food and symptom diary. All responses will be handled with full consideration of participant confidentiality.
The study is open to those who do not have a medical diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or have a medical condition that might cause reflux or its associated symptoms. Potential participants should be aged between 18 and 40 years old or over 65 years old.
For further details, please contact becki.hillman@northumbria.ac.uk (if you are 18-40 year olds) or gemma3.harris@northumbria.ac.uk ( if you are 65 years or older). The recruitment process will close at the end of March 2021.
In April to May, RD Biomed looks forward to hosting two Northumbria University students for industrial placements where they’ll help further our research into diet, reflux and upper GI disease symptoms.