Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux).
If it keeps happening, it’s called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
If you have Acid reflux for long term it can lead to serious conditions like esophagitis, strictures, Barrett’s oesophagus leading to Esophageal cancer.
Don’t ignore long term acid exposure, as these can be avoided by either taking medication, sometimes need investigations like endoscopy to access the early changes of oesophageal cancer.
You need expert opinion on Reflux disease, book an appointment with Dr Puli.
Causes of Heart Burn/ Acid Reflux
Esophagitis is a inflammation of the food pipe from acid exposure leading to the symptoms of chest pain or burning sensation in the chest.
Esophagitis can cause problems with swallowing and leads to scarring called peptic stricture.
Acid reflux can also cause chronic cough, change in the voice and water brush.
Chronic Acid exposure in the gullet can cause esophagitis and scarring in the gullet leading to narrowing of the food pipe and food feels stuck leading to aspiration, weight loss.
Dr Puli specialises in treating Peptic stricture and even used Novel techniques called Bougie cap dilatation for peptic structure.
Barrett’s oesophagus is a medical condition where some of the cells in your oesophagus grow abnormally.
If you have Barrett’s oesophagus you are slightly more likely to get oesophageal cancer. But this is not common. It is sometimes called a pre-cancerous condition.
Barrett’s oesophagus often does not have any symptoms. But you may have symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
Dr Puli specialises in diagnosing and managing Barrett’s esophagus.
There are many possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be hard to spot.
They can affect your digestion, such as:
Other symptoms include:
If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
Dr Puli specialises in diagnosing and managing Esophageal cancer
Above symptoms are suggestive of potential cancer, so make an urgent appointment with the specialist.
Dr Puli specialises in managing these conditions.
Don’t ignore long term Acid Reflux symptoms, it could lead to Esophgeal cancer.
Need Expert opinion on Acid Reflux, contact Dr Puli
Common prevention tips to control symptoms of Acid Reflux.
Eat small quantities but frequent
Don’t eat very late in the evening
Avoid smoking and Alcohol
Avoid spicy and acid foods
Raise the head end of the bed
Eat alteast 3 to 4 hours before bed time