Esophagus
Cancer And Its Relation To Acid Reflux
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More and more
studies are proving the link between acid reflux disease and
esophagus cancer. For years, doctors have been telling
patients who suffer from acid reflux to change their diet
and eliminate foods that could cause the stomach to create
more acid than it should. There are over the counter and
prescription drugs that are available to help in reducing
the amount of acid in the stomach. By exercising and eating
properly, a person should be able to combat the adverse
effects of acid reflux and prevent worse conditions later on
in life.
Esophagus cancer
occurs in the esophagus near the stomach. Tiny tumors begin
to grow which will eventually spread to other parts of the
body. This cancer has many symptoms including vomiting, loss
of voice, stomach problems, blood in urine and vomit, and
many other symptoms. |
If a person has any
of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, they
should seek medical attention. Esophagus cancer has been linked to acid
reflux because many times the lining of the esophagus can be
removed by the acid in the stomach. The body will cover the
inside of the esophagus with tissue as a protective measure. But
this new tissue could become cancerous. It is very important to
have a doctor look at the esophagus to determine the problem and
help find a solution before it is too late.
There are ways a person who
has acid reflux can lower their risks of esophagus cancer. Drinking
carbonated drinks, such as soda, is not recommended. These drinks tend
to raise the acid levels in the stomach for a prolonged period of
time. If a person drinks a can of soda once a day, more acid will be
produced in the stomach to break down the soda and make it digestible.
But the stomach acid created will be more than necessary and will
travel up and down the esophagus. This could have disastrous effects.
Cutting down on soda consumption or not drinking it anymore will help
the stomach not produce as much stomach acid.
Esophagus cancer
is very uncomfortable to live with. The risks of getting this cancer
are higher for those with acid reflux disease.
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Talk with a doctor if stomach acid becomes a problem.
Regulating the acid now could help later on. Maintaining a
healthy esophagus is very important. People who have
esophagus cancer have problems eating, holding down food,
and are often in too much pain to enjoy everyday living.
Preventing this cancer depends on a person changing their
diet and exercise regime, taking the medication prescribed,
and visiting a doctor when they feel any pain. In some
cases, to keep the cancer from spreading, surgery has been
done on the esophagus to remove infected tissue. This
surgery could permanently damage the esophagus and make it
harder to swallow, talk, and digest food. Some people have
to be fed through a tube or have to survive on a liquid
diet. This can be very uncomfortable and depressing for
those who have lived active lives and no longer can. But by
changing small things like one’s diet, this can hopefully be
prevented. |
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