Table 2.

 Recommended definitions for reflux subcategories

• “Acid reflux” should be used to describe refluxed gastric juice with a pH less than 4 which can either reduce the pH of the oesophagus to below 4 or occur when oesophageal pH is already below 4. “Superimposed acid reflux” should be used to describe an acidic reflux episode that occurs before oesophageal pH has recovered to above 4.

• “Weakly acidic reflux” should be used to describe reflux events that result in an oesophageal pH between 4 and 7.

• “Weakly alkaline reflux” should be reserved for reflux episodes during which nadir oesophageal pH does not drop below 7.