Medical experts studying heartburn

Nearly 300 medical experts from 16 countries are visiting Hull to share the latest research into heartburn, or reflux, a condition affecting millions of people globally.

A three-day conference opens at Hull Truck Theatre today.

The public is invited to the patient forum, which closes the conference on Friday, from 4.30pm to 6pm. Leading experts will take part in a discussion with sufferers and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The forum is being hosted by conference organiser, Professor Peter Dettmar, with other panel members including Professor Alyn Morice, a respiratory specialist and head of the Hull Cough Clinic at the Hull York Medical School, Stephen Ell, a leading ear nose and throat specialist and surgeon, and Gabriel Hendrow, a Bransholme GP with a special interest conditions affecting the ear, nose and throat.

Also on the panel is Dr Pulak Sahay, who is launching a new charity, Campaign Against Reflux Disease (CARD), to raise awareness about the dangers of the condition, which occurs when stomach contents are regurgitated into the oesophagus, causing a painful burning sensation.

Dr Sahay, a senior lecturer of medicine at Leeds University, said: "People tend to brush the milder symptoms, such as heartburn, under the carpet. As well as resulting in a reduced quality of life, ignoring persistent symptoms can in some cases lead to serious illness and irreparable harm."

Dr Sahay added: "Reflux disease is the root cause of so many evils and I want the charity to educate the general population."