Beware! Long-term acid reflux may lead to esophageal cancer

According to statistics, one in five people has experienced acid reflux. Acid reflux may seem common, but if not treated in time, it will not only seriously affect the quality of life, but also cause serious consequences such as rhinitis, otitis media, asthma, and even gastrointestinal perforation and necrosis.

Can people with acid reflux eat tomatoes and citrus fruits?

Tomatoes and citrus foods stimulate gastric acid secretion. If the patient is in the acute stage of reflux, it is best not to eat them. However, if the reflux symptoms have been alleviated, especially in the recovery period of stopping medication, you can try to slowly increase the amount of consumption, but the amount consumed at a time should be controlled within 50 grams. Can people with acid reflux drink carbonated beverages?

Beverages containing sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated ingredients will stimulate gastric acid secretion and are not suitable for patients with reflux symptoms. In addition, soups containing spices such as five-spice powder and white pepper powder are also not suitable for patients with reflux symptoms.

Can people with reflux symptoms get esophageal cancer?

The pH value of gastric acid is between 1-2, which is equivalent to the acidity of hydrochloric acid. Long-term gastroesophageal reflux will cause acidic substances to continuously irritate the lower esophageal mucosa. This situation will not only easily lead to inflammation, but may also turn into Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous lesion of esophageal cancer. Therefore, once reflux symptoms last for a long time, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms. How should I seek medical attention if I have reflux problems?

Gastroesophageal motility test. This test requires inserting a very small probe from the nostril into the esophageal cardia to monitor the cardia pressure for 24 hours.

Capsule gastroscopy. The patient swallows a capsule gastroscope and puts it into the cardia. After 24 hours of monitoring, the capsule gastroscope can be excreted from the body by itself.

Upper gastrointestinal tract radiography. The patient needs to take a contrast agent such as barium sulfate paste or diatrizoate by mouth, and then take an X-ray.

If it is gastroesophageal reflux, conservative treatment and lifestyle correction can generally be used to help patients relieve symptoms; but if you suffer from a hiatal hernia, surgical treatment is generally required.

Source: CCTV Finance