Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common in the U.S., with approximately 20% of people suffering symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, stomach pain, trouble swallowing and nausea.
What Is GERD?
Your esophagus is the tube inside your body that carries food from your throat to your stomach. At the end of the tube is a valve that is supposed to open to let food into the stomach, then close to prevent the food from washing back up into the esophagus. In those diagnosed with GERD, this valve does not work correctly.
The contents of your stomach are highly acidic, which is necessary to digest food properly, but this acid causes an uncomfortable burning sensation when it washes back into the esophagus — hence the term “heartburn.” Most everyone has had this sensation at one time or another, due to overeating, doing exercise directly after eating or another reason. But when the symptoms are frequent and chronic, GERD is often diagnosed.
While most symptoms are related to the acid and its accompanying discomfort, some GERD sufferers experience chest pain, trouble swallowing, the sensation that something is stuck in their throat, a cough and persistent bad breath.
There are many benefits to being part of a clinical trial. First, you get free medical care and examinations, possibly including endoscopies. Neither you nor your insurance company will be billed. This is a great chance to be the first to try a new medication that may clear up your symptoms. If the clinical trial is successful, other GERD sufferers will have to wait until the drug comes to market to try it.
Second, you get to perform an important service for GERD sufferers across the country. New drugs are not allowed on the market until they go through clinical trials to ensure they are effective. If the drug you take as part of the clinical research is deemed effective and is eventually sold to the public, many people can live more comfortable lives, thanks to you.
To apply to be part of our GERD clinical trials in Sandy and Ogden, Utah, and Reno, Nevada, contact our clinical trial company today.
