Over 300 scientists and clinicians from 16 countries gathered in Hull last week to discuss and analyse reflux disease and learn about a new product – Peptest - that detects the illness that causes 7000 deaths annually.
Organised by leading healthcare professionals in the region the three day event was the ninth International Symposium on Human Pepsin - an enzyme present in the stomach that can be used as an indicator of reflux disease.
With an estimated 40 per cent of the global population displaying symptoms of the disease, including heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, choking episodes, and difficulty swallowing, reflux disease can result in more serious illnesses, such as cancer of the oesophagus - the fastest growing cancer in the western world.
The event allowed delegates to discuss research from around the world, listen to sufferers of the potentially fatal disease as well as learn about new products available to the marketplace.
A revolutionary device in reflux disease detection was launched at the show – Peptest. This diagnostic test measures the amount of pepsin in the stomach - an enzyme used as an indicator of reflux disease. Developed by Hull based company Technostics, Peptest provides a quick and easy alternative to traditional invasive methods with results showing around 25% more accuracy.
Visitors also learnt about new charity - Campaign Against Reflux Disease (CARD) – which aims to raise awareness amongst patients, GPs and pharmacists about the dangers of the disease.
Dr Putak Sahay, who is a senior lecturer of medicine at Leeds University and charity founder, said: “Reflux disease is the root cause of so many evils and I want the charity to educate the general population with the aim of leading to less fire fighting and more preventative care.”
For more information on Peptest – the new revolution in reflux disease click here