Gastroesophageal reflux in runners. Characteristics and treatment

To test the potential of distance running to induce reflux in healthy subjects and the ability of ranitidine to decrease esophageal acid exposure.

A randomized, single-blind, crossover study. Objective assessment of reflux was done using an ambulatory intra-esophageal pH monitor during both a baseline hour and 1 hour of running on 2 days of testing.

Fourteen normal volunteers (10 men, four women) between 22 and 37 years of age were studied. All volunteers ran regularly, completing an average of 20 miles weekly for at least 6 months.

Ranitidine, 300 mg orally, or an identical placebo was administered after a low-fat breakfast just before the baseline hour of pH recording.

Esophageal motility and pH probe placement was done in the gastroenterology unit at Bowman Gray Medical Center. Running was done on local jogging trials.

There was more gastroesophageal reflux during running than during the baseline hour when reflux was measured at a pH threshold of 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0 (P less than 0.05). Reflux episodes were usually associated with belching. Ranitidine, 300 mg administered orally 1 hour before running, significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced the amount of esophageal acid exposure during running.

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs during running in healthy volunteers. It is usually associated with belching. Acid suppression with ranitidine decreases intraesophageal acid exposure during running (P less than 0.05).