Acid Reflux Heartburn If Ignored Can Kill You

Acid reflux better known as heartburn is a common enough medical condition. But not commonly known is that this so called simple heartburn could kill you. It is usually suffered after a spicy rich meal, or eating too fast, or lying down after a meal, but the facts are that this could lead to cancer. Research shows that the bacteria flourishing in both the esophagus and stomach with this ailment can lead to cancer.

There are two main complications of acid reflux that have been linked to cancer. Cancer of the stomach and cancer of the esophagus. Remember there is a very large difference between occasional reflux and frequent reflux. If you are having frequent heartburn it is crucial that you consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment without delay. Do this before any complications arise. Acid reflux bacteria is very treatable with antibiotics. But there is no cure for late stage cancer of the stomach or esophagus.

There are two types of acid reflux bacteria that have been shown to be dangerous to our health. One is the cancer stimulating Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori. The other is a diverse group of organisms which thrive in the esophagus. The H. Pylori exist in the stomach wall. Both types are organisms that have been found to be associated with stomach and esophageal cancers.

Although it has not truly been shown that the bacteria inhabiting the esophagus can positively cause cancer, however, it was substantiated that it can otherwise cause a shifting of our normal esophageal cells. Instead of having a smooth cell lining, the esophagus is transformed into an abnormal and coarse wall. This procedure is ordinarily seen in patients having reflux disease. Due to lengthy vomiting, the lining of the esophagus is continually irritated leaving it into a condition called Barrett's esophagus. Acid reflux bacteria then expands into the esophageal lining causing further irritation and infection, and the potential of cancer. .

Helicobacter pylori also known as H. pylori, is an acid reflux bacteria stimulated by extended vomiting and lengthy annoyance of the stomach wall. When individuals feel frequent heartburn, the stomach produces more acid leading to ulcerations in its walls. Having ulcers in the stomach walls cause such bacteria to thrive on it. Helicobacter Pylori is pathogenic in the sense that it invades the stomach's normal flora, and is debilitating in the sense that it is shown to be the cause of gastric cancer.

One of the major factors which cause gastric reflux is the inability of the stomach to empty itself completely. It typically occurs transiently after eating. However, when there are extended periods of acid reflux there can be resultant contact between the acid and the esophageal wall, leading to inflammation and scarring of the esophagus. Other causes of this phenomenon include food sensitivities, inappropriate gastric/esophageal motility and emptying, inadequate enzymes, acid and mucus production, antioxidant imbalance, poor nutrition and excessive use of alcohol.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease and heartburn are commonly treated by conventional medical doctors with prescriptions for one of the many antacids like Nexium, or Prilosec. Such treatment may help manage the acute symptom of pain, but does not, however, address or lead to the correction of the underlying problems which give rise to the symptoms. Reducing short-term symptoms while ignoring the cause, may lead to long-term digestive difficulties by disrupting the natural digestive processes.

It is strongly recommended that if you have these symptoms for an extended period of time, see your doctor for diagnostic testing and treatment which may include antibiotic therapy.

Conditions That Make Gastric Reflux Worse

• being overweight or obese
  - being pregnant
  -drinking alcohol or caffeine
  - drinking carbonated beverages or fruit juice
  - eating chocolate or peppermint
  - eating fatty or spicy foods
  - eating large meals
  - lying down or bending over after a meal
  - medications, like anti-inflammatory medications
  - smoking or using tobacco products