Is it possible to develop esophageal cancer if gastroesophageal reflux is not treated? Doctor reveals how to improve "2 habits" to end heartburn
70% of cases of gastroesophageal reflux will “heal on their own”? Is prolonged illness a warning sign of “esophageal inflammation”?
If you often experience “heartburn” or obvious “acid reflux”, don’t take it lightly! In fact, if gastroesophageal reflux is not treated, the chance of developing gastric ulcer and esophageal cancer will increase significantly in the future. Dr. Wu Wenjie, director of the Gastroesophageal Reflux Center of Yuanrong Hospital, pointed out that gastroesophageal reflux is mostly related to “poor eating habits” and “excessive stress.” In terms of diet, it is caused by individuals consuming too much high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie diets; while stress is caused by modern people being sedentary, not exercising, busy at work, and having poor sleep quality, which leads to autonomic nervous system disorders. The reflux phenomenon caused by excessive pressure may also be accompanied by atypical symptoms such as poor digestion, throat discomfort, and muscle tightness.
Dr. Wu Wenjie said that gastroesophageal reflux will actually “heal on its own.” 70% of patients may have significant improvement in symptoms as long as they change their living habits and eat a balanced diet. However, if you still have symptoms such as heartburn and burning sensation in the esophagus 2 weeks after changing your lifestyle, it means that the esophagus is not only refluxed, but also inflamed. At this time, further medical treatment, gastroscopy, and drug intervention are required to improve the inflammation problem.
He developed stomach ulcers after drinking lemonade with every meal! Doctors urge you to eat less of “6 kinds of foods”
Dr. Wu Wenjie said that to improve gastroesophageal reflux, the first step is to adjust the diet; the second step is to lose weight. For obese patients who are overweight, in addition to diet control, they can also engage in moderate exercise in daily life, such as jogging and walking after meals to improve gastrointestinal motility. Weight loss can improve gastroesophageal reflux.
As for diet, Dr. Wu Wenjie recommends “separating food from water” and minimizing liquid foods during meals. In addition, try to avoid acidic foods as much as possible, such as lemons, pineapples, kiwis and other sour fruits, and avoid irritating condiments such as vinegar and mint. Furthermore, avoid caffeine drinks such as coffee and tea, and eat less fried foods, high-cholesterol foods and sweets.
Dr. Wu Wenjie pointed out that there were patients who wanted to achieve the effect of “acid-base neutralization” with gastric acid by eating lemons. They drank lemon water every time they felt discomfort during meals. Little did he know that the patient’s heartburn and burning sensation were more severe, and a gastroscopy revealed that his stomach had a severe ulcer.
“In fact, this behavior is completely wrong! The pH value of lemons is often less than 3, while gastric acid is between 1 and 2. If you consume too much acidic substances, it may aggravate the reflux phenomenon without knowing it. People should not If you have misconceptions, you should still see a doctor if you have serious symptoms!”
Does long-term gastroesophageal reflux increase the risk of esophageal cancer? “Reverse flow even while lying down” needs surgical treatment?
Dr. Wu Wenjie reminds the public that if the above two lifestyle changes are indeed made, gastroesophageal reflux symptoms still persist, and no immediate medical treatment is given, the disease may progress to the following conditions:
The first stage: Gastroesophageal reflux causes continued inflammation of the esophagus, leading to an increased chance of “esophageal ulcers” and “gastric ulcers”. In severe cases, “gastric bleeding” may even occur.
Second stage: Long-term ulcers may cause scarring in the esophagus and stomach, and the esophageal opening may become narrow, making it difficult to swallow during meals.
The third stage: leading to “Barrett’s esophageal lesions”, which is one of the early manifestations of esophageal cancer. Long-term inflammation causes the esophagus to become weak, and you can only sit down when eating. Lying down to eat will cause severe reflux, and may eventually develop into esophageal cancer.
Dr. Wu Wenjie suggested that the public should seek medical treatment as soon as possible before the disease progresses to the first stage and treat it with drugs. 80-90% of patients can improve their symptoms. And if gastroesophageal reflux occurs even while lying down, further surgical treatment should be performed, such as “laparoscopic surgery”. Currently, it is covered by health insurance and can improve the relaxation of the cardia without taking medicine. The second type is “endoscopic surgery” (gastroscopy surgery), such as gastric cardia tightening surgery or anti-reflux mucosal resection, which is suitable for patients with invisible wounds and deep wounds.
Finally, Dr. Wu Wenjie reminded the public that the fundamental solution to gastroesophageal reflux is still related to improving eating habits and alleviating psychological stress. If the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux have not improved, it is recommended to go to the hepatobiliary gastroenterology department or internal medicine department for consultation, or to use Chinese medicine practitioners to prepare medicinal materials to relieve symptoms such as heartburn and esophageal burning sensation.
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