| HEARTBURN AND ESOPHAGUS CANCER zhion@zhion.com November 12, 2005 |
The incidence of a deadly form of esophagus cancer
associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) is rising at an alarming rate. Some 90 percent of
people suffered from esophageal adenocarcinoma may
die in five years. The incidence of esophageal
adenocarcinoma has soared 600% since the 1970s. It
is about 7,000 to 8,000 new cases of esophageal
adenocarcinoma per year in the US.
The major risk factors are known to be
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's
esophagus. Each year, about one half of 1 percent of
people with Barrett's, or one in 200, will go on to
develop adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. [1] The
Barrett's esophagus is related to acid reflux. Acid reflux
can sometimes result esophagitis, i.e. an inflammation
of the esophagus. In addition, a narrowing or partial
closure (stricture) of the lower esophagus may occur. It
may also lead to Barret's esophagus, a change in the
cells of the tissue lining the bottom of the esophagus.
This can increase the chance of developing cancer. It
may also cause lung problems when the gastric fluid
overflows into the breathing tubes during the reflux.
What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Factors that may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux
disease include alcohol use, overweight, pregnancy and
smoking Also, certain foods can be associated with
reflux events, including citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks
with caffeine, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions,
mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like
spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza.
Many heartburn sufferers significantly reduce their
burping by avoiding the trigger foods and behaviors.
However, if you have had heartburn or any of the other
symptoms for a while, you should see your doctor. You
may want to visit an internist, a doctor who specializes
in internal medicine, or a gastroenterologist, a doctor
who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Depending on how severe your gastroesophageal
reflux disease is, treatment may involve one or more of
the following lifestyle changes and medications or
surgery. Your doctor may also advise you to change
your lifestyle, such as stop smoking, stop drinking
alcohol, control weight (if needed), eating small meals,
wearing loose-fitting clothes, avoiding lying down for 3
hours after a meal and raising the head of your bed 6-8
inches higher.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. PUBLISHER
DOES NOT GURANTEE ITS ACCURACY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT
WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY QUESTION. ALL RIGHT
RESERVED
REFERENCE
[1] Amanda Gardner Reflux-Linked Esophagus Cancer On the
Rise HealthDay, November 10, 2005.
[2] Persistent Burping, zhion.com online publication, November
12, 2005
HOME
associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) is rising at an alarming rate. Some 90 percent of
people suffered from esophageal adenocarcinoma may
die in five years. The incidence of esophageal
adenocarcinoma has soared 600% since the 1970s. It
is about 7,000 to 8,000 new cases of esophageal
adenocarcinoma per year in the US.
The major risk factors are known to be
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's
esophagus. Each year, about one half of 1 percent of
people with Barrett's, or one in 200, will go on to
develop adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. [1] The
Barrett's esophagus is related to acid reflux. Acid reflux
can sometimes result esophagitis, i.e. an inflammation
of the esophagus. In addition, a narrowing or partial
closure (stricture) of the lower esophagus may occur. It
may also lead to Barret's esophagus, a change in the
cells of the tissue lining the bottom of the esophagus.
This can increase the chance of developing cancer. It
may also cause lung problems when the gastric fluid
overflows into the breathing tubes during the reflux.
What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Factors that may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux
disease include alcohol use, overweight, pregnancy and
smoking Also, certain foods can be associated with
reflux events, including citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks
with caffeine, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions,
mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like
spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza.
Many heartburn sufferers significantly reduce their
burping by avoiding the trigger foods and behaviors.
However, if you have had heartburn or any of the other
symptoms for a while, you should see your doctor. You
may want to visit an internist, a doctor who specializes
in internal medicine, or a gastroenterologist, a doctor
who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Depending on how severe your gastroesophageal
reflux disease is, treatment may involve one or more of
the following lifestyle changes and medications or
surgery. Your doctor may also advise you to change
your lifestyle, such as stop smoking, stop drinking
alcohol, control weight (if needed), eating small meals,
wearing loose-fitting clothes, avoiding lying down for 3
hours after a meal and raising the head of your bed 6-8
inches higher.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. PUBLISHER
DOES NOT GURANTEE ITS ACCURACY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT
WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY QUESTION. ALL RIGHT
RESERVED
REFERENCE
[1] Amanda Gardner Reflux-Linked Esophagus Cancer On the
Rise HealthDay, November 10, 2005.
[2] Persistent Burping, zhion.com online publication, November
12, 2005
HOME
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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
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