The pressure effects of different commercially available beverages on food boluses in vitro.

Abstract

Acute oesophageal food impaction is a common and potentially life-threatening condition. Effervescent agents have been used to manage these patients. To date, there have not been any studies comparing the differences in commercially available beverages in relieving food bolus impaction. The aim of this study was to design an in vitro system where the pressure changes generated by different commercially available beverages could be compared in the presence of different food items. A closed in vitro system was designed using a flask and manometer. Different food items [potato, beef, chicken, and no food item (control)] and different beverages (Coca-Cola®, lemonade, 7 Up Free, Prosecco and water) were inserted into this system in turn. For each food item and beverage, pressure changes (cmH2O) were recorded over a 3-min period. Comparing the different food items, the potato appeared to cause the greatest increases in pressure over most time points with all beverages except Coca-Cola® and water. Between the beverages, the lemonade and Prosecco seemed to generate the greatest pressure changes; lemonade generating higher (but non-significant) pressures than the Prosecco with the potato and control. Our study demonstrates that, in vitro, amongst the beverages, lemonade and Prosecco generated the greatest increases in pressure, whilst potatoes generated a greater reaction than the other food items. These findings need to be studied in further detail and, if deemed clinically relevant, may prompt further investigation for their use in the clinical setting.