Frequent Heartburn Can Damage Esophagus
Acid Reflux Linked To Cancer Of The Esophagus
UPDATED: 12:26 p.m. EST November 7, 2003
Nobody likes heartburn, but its discomfort may not be the worst of its effects. Doctors at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia say heartburn has been linked to cancer.
Some people think heartburn isn't a big deal. Even a smart guy like Bob Reichlin had no idea what heartburn was doing to his health, year after year after year.
"I had heartburn almost every day. Once or twice a day, as a matter of fact, and I would take an antacid and it would give me relief and I would get heartburn again," Reichlin said.
Many people do the same thing Reichlin did, and that can be fatal, according to the doctors.
"The second-fastest rising cancer in the U.S. is cancer called adeno carcinoma of the esophagus, which is a special type of tumor of the esophagus, which is a result of heartburn or reflux over many years," said Dr. Anthony Dimarino, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Your esophagus is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. At the end is the lower esophageal sphincter. When it opens and lets acid back up into the esophagus, that's heartburn, also called gastro esophageal reflux, or GERD.
Reichlin's heartburn led to esophageal cancer.
"I couldn't believe it. I was so shook and so frightened of the word cancer. I wasn't even sure what an esophagus was. I could not believe it (was caused by heartburn)," Reichlin said.
Reichlin was lucky to survive. If you have an endoscopy, doctors can look into your esophagus and actually see early changes and begin treatment.
So how do you know if you're having trouble with heartburn or GERD? Some people have the classic symptom of a burning in the chest, while others have a regurgitation of food. Other people have an acidic taste in their mouth and still others have trouble swallowing their food.
"Clearly, if you're getting frequent heartburn to the extent that you're getting it two to three times a week, I believe everyone should have one endoscopy to be sure they don't have this precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus," Dimarino said. "It's poison. If you have heartburn, go to the doctor and tell him about it. It could save your life."
Most people with heartburn do not get cancer, but why take a chance? Here are some ways to prevent heartburn and acid reflux:
| Video |
Dangers Of Nighttime Heartburn
Procedure Ends Heartburn PainHEARTBURN PAIN  Do You Suffer?
RESOURCES |
Heartburn FAQs-
Lose weight
Avoid overeating
Avoid spicy foods
Avoid fried and fatty foods
Avoid caffeine
Avoid alcohol
Avoid tomato sauce
Avoid citrus juice
Avoid peppermint
Avoid eating right before bed
Copyright 2003 by clickorlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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