Ignoring Acid Reflux
Can Be Dangerours
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If you have
symptoms of acid reflux then you shouldn't ignore them. You
should see your doctor right away to receive treatment. Acid
reflux can lead to four major complications if it is not
treated right away by a medical professional. These
complications include esophageal cancer, Barrett's
esophagus, esophagitis and esophageal strictures.
Esophageal
cancer is a tumor that starts to grow on the lining of the
esophagus. This tumor can eventually grow through the wall
of the esophagus which can then cause cancer to spread to
other parts of the body through the blood or the lymphatic
system. The symptoms of esophageal cancer include heartburn,
difficulty swallowing, the inability to swallow solids and
eventually liquids, painful swallowing, food sticking in the
esophagus, weight loss, regurgitation of food and vomiting
of blood or the passing of blood in bowel movements.
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To diagnose
esophageal cancer a doctor will perform four possible tests
including endoscopy, barium x-rays, computed tomography and a CT
scan. The treatment of esophageal cancer depends largely on what
stage it is in at the time the doctor diagnosis it and whether
or not it has spread to other organs.
Barrett's esophagus is a
condition where the esophagus changes and some of its lining is
replaced by a form of tissue usually only found in the intestine. This
process can also be called intestinal metaplasia. Barrett's esophagus
can lead to a rare cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Barrett's esophagus is commonly associated with acid reflux. The
average age of a person with Barrett's esophagus is sixty, but this is
often because it is difficult for doctors to tell when the process
actually started and it is believed it can start earlier in life. It
can only be diagnosed through endoscopy or biopsy and even then it can
be extremely difficult to diagnose. Most of the time by the time it is
diagnosed it is to late to start treatment.
Esophagitis is an
inflammation and swelling of the esophagus. This is commonly caused
when the acid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. If left
untreated this condition can become very uncomfortable for an
individual and it can eventually lead to difficulty swallowing, ulcers
in the esophagus or scarring of the esophagus. Symptoms include
difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, burning sensation in
esophagus, acid reflux and oral lesions.
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A doctor will
perform an endoscopy, barium x-ray, biopsy or culture to
diagnose. Once it is diagnosed it can be treated through
medications that reduce the acid caused by acid reflux
disease or through the use of antibiotics in the infection
is becoming more severe.
Esophageal
strictures in the gradual narrowing of the esophagus are a
concern as well. These strictures are caused by the scar
tissue that builds up in the esophagus. Acid reflux can
often cause the tissue scarring that leads to this
condition. If the condition gets worse it can lead to
inflammation. Symptoms include difficulty or discomfort when
swallowing, regurgitation of food and weight loss. A barium
x-ray or endoscopy is done to diagnose the condition.
Treatment includes the stretching of the esophagus, the
prescription of proton pump inhibitors or surgical
treatment. |
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