Persistent Acid Reflux - When Should You See a Doctor?
4/14/2023
By: M. Scott Brashier, D.O.
During the month of April each year, we recognize national Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month and focus efforts to help increase community education and awareness about the risk of esophageal cancer posed by persistent reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease.)
An estimated 1 in every 5 American adults suffers from GERD, which is a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve that allow stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can be a lifelong disease and lead to bothersome symptoms and potentially other life-threatening health conditions.
Adenocarcinoma, the type of cancer typically caused by long-term reflux disease or GERD, is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the U.S. Esophageal cancer takes more American lives each year than melanoma skin cancer or cervical cancer, with 1 in every 5 patients diagnosed surviving only 5 years, as it is often caught in the late stages.
GERD is an anatomical issue that occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not working properly and fails to keep contents in the stomach from washing back up into the esophagus. Medications or life-style modifications may offer mild symptom control, but they do not stop or prevent reflux. Additionally, those who are or may become dependent on daily medication may develop severe complications from GERD, even if no symptoms are experienced. When left untreated, GERD can lead to other health complications including:
- Damage to the throat or esophagus
- Inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus
- Respiratory complications
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal cancer
The best way to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer is to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and determine next steps. These next steps may include requesting that you undergo an upper endoscopy (EGD) or other diagnostic procedure to investigate the esophagus and evaluate its condition. It is important to know that there are endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, like the TIF procedure for reflux, that can help rebuild and restore proper function to the faulty gastroesophageal valve and relieve GERD.
Early screening and detection are key. If you are reaching for antacids more than twice a week, it’s time to see a doctor. If your current medications aren’t working well enough, there are alternative therapies that could be right for you.
For more information on GERD and the TIF procedure, visit https://www.merithealthbiloxi.com/heartburn-care.
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