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Acid Reflux - The Silent Killer?
You may not be familiar with the term acid reflux, even though you've probably suffered from it countless times in your life. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD for short) or, more commonly, heartburn. Why are there so many names for a seemingly harmless condition? The correct clinical term for heartburn is GERD, although anyone trying to explain that they have a severe digestive disorder will find it much easier to stay put when they have heartburn rather than trying to break out gastroesophageal reflux disease. The title of acid reflux describes what actually occurs in the stomach during heartburn, so you...
Acid Reflux - The Silent Killer?
You may not be familiar with the term acid reflux, even though you've probably suffered from it countless times in your life. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD for short) or, more commonly, heartburn. Why are there so many names for a seemingly harmless condition? The correct clinical term for heartburn is GERD, although anyone trying to explain that they have a severe digestive disorder will find it much easier to stay put when they have heartburn rather than trying to break out gastroesophageal reflux disease. The title of acid reflux describes what actually occurs in the stomach during heartburn, so you can see that it's far more complicated than you previously thought.
What exactly is acid reflux? GERD is when your stomach has produced too much acid to digest the foods in it. This extra acid and other fluids then travel back up your esophagus (the tube that connects your stomach and throat), causing both pain and damage to that area. That burning feeling you feel in your chest is the direct result of very strong stomach acid eating away the tissue in your esophagus. If this happens occasionally, your body can cope with the damage. However, if this is a daily occurrence, the damage can become permanent and even life-threatening. Yes, life-threatening.
Most people pass off heartburn as a temporary problem that they can "cure" by taking a handful of antacids and avoiding spicy foods for 24 hours. That's just not the case. Acid reflux/heartburn can have far more serious consequences than just being unpleasant. In the most extreme cases, acid reflux can lead to the development of a type of cancer that, if left untreated, can be fatal. This is the most surprising fact for most people – they never assume that something like acid reflux could potentially kill them.
This type of cancer begins as a condition known as Barrett's esophagus (also known as intestinal metaplasia). During prolonged bouts of acid reflux (over a period of years), the tissue in the esophagus is replaced with tissue normally only found in the stomach and intestines. This abnormal tissue growth can then lead to a type of cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma. The most worrying aspect of this cancer is that it is usually not detected until the patient is over 60 years old. At this stage, it is usually too late to treat the cancer.
Should you rush to your doctor for complete medical treatment as you experience occasional heartburn? No, and the purpose of this article is not to cause panic. However, if you experience acid reflux almost daily, it is a recognized condition and prescription treatments are available. Don't leave your health to chance, make a quick trip to the family doctor for advice and guidance on this matter.
Inspired by Aaron Walker