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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Systematic review: the effects of carbonated beverages on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
T Johnson1, L Gerson, T Hershcovici
1The Neuroenteric Clinical Research Group, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Background:
Carbonated beverages have unique properties that may potentially exacerbate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as high acidity and carbonation. Cessation of carbonated beverage consumption is commonly recommended as part of lifestyle modifications for patients with GERD.
Aims:
To evaluate the relationship of carbonated beverages with oesophageal pH, oesophageal motility, oesophageal damage, GERD symptoms and GERD complications.
Methods:
A systematic review.
Results:
Carbonated beverage consumption results in a very short decline in intra-oesophageal pH. In addition, carbonated beverages may lead to a transient reduction in lower oesophageal sphincter basal pressure. There is no evidence that carbonated beverages directly cause oesophageal damage. Carbonated beverages have not been consistently shown to cause GERD-related symptoms. Furthermore, there is no evidence that these popular drinks lead to GERD complications or oesophageal cancer.
Conclusions:
Based on the currently available literature, it appears that there is no direct evidence that carbonated beverages promote or exacerbate GERD.
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