Inhibitory Effect of Smoking on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter

THE lower esophageal sphincter functions as a barrier to the reflux of acid gastric contents into the esophagus. Patients with symptomatic incompetence of this sphincter often complain of heartburn associated with smoking. We report on the relation between smoking and lower-esophageal-sphincter pressure.MethodsSix normal male volunteers were studied after an overnight fast. Their mean age was 34 years (range, 20 to 50 years). All were chronic cigarette smokers, but did not smoke cigars or a pipe regularly. None had symptoms of esophageal disease, including the absence of chronic heartburn or frequent antacid use. Measurements of intraluminal pressure were made . . .