Abstract: Prolonged mastication is demonstrated to enhance salivary secretion as well as enhance secretion of salivary components such as salivary bicarbonate, epidermal growth factor, mucin, PGE.sub.2 and transforming growth factor.sub..alpha.. Mastication beginning prior to about 30 minutes in advance of any meal may reduce sensations of heartburn in patients and has therapeutic value in the treatment of patients with reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Post-meal chewing is of additional value in alleviating severe symptoms.

Abstract: An esophageal perfusion catheter, having an outer housing, a plurality of flexible, tubular channel members within said outer housing, and at least two spaced balloon members encompassing said catheter. Two of the channel members are in fluid communication with each of two balloons. One of the balloons is about 150 millimeters from the distal end of said catheter and about 75 millimeters from the other balloon. A third of the tubular channel members is an esophageal perfusion aspirating channel and is in communication with a port at the distal end of the catheter. A fourth of the tubular channel members serves as a gastric aspirating channel. A fifth of the tubular channel members serves as an aspirating channel. The sixth channel member, serves as an air vent. The esophageal perfusion aspirating channel has a ID of about 3 millimeters. The gastric aspirating channel has a ID of about 2 millimeters. The two channel members which communicate with the balloons have a ID of about 1 millimeter.