Simple breathing drills may soothe heartburn without pills
NCT ID NCT07179250
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether two types of breathing training can reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. About 51 participants will be randomly assigned to do volume-oriented incentive spirometry, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, or usual care for 6 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in symptom severity and lower esophageal sphincter pressure to see if breathing training is a safe, drug-free option.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 51 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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20 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 20 to 80 years * Endoscopic finding of reflux esophagitis (LA grade A) with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use \> 2 months, or 24-hour pH monitoring showing acid exposure time (AET) \> 6%, or endoscopic diagnosis of reflux esophagitis LA grade B or higher * Willingness to comply with the full training and follow-up protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * History of anti-reflux surgery * Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction or respiratory disease * Inability to perform the training exercises or attend follow-up visits
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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