Heartburn, or reflux, is no more related to heart conditions. It is a form of indigestion that occurs when acid and digestive juices flow back up from the stomach to the gullet, which doesn’t have a protective lining, so it causes inflammation and pain. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.
Researchers proved that heartburn may very much lead to cancers on the throat and vocal cord. Previously people had to be cautious regarding alcohol consumption and smoking to avoid this deadly disease but now it has been proven that heartburn may actually increase the risk even more.
Gastric reflux can damage the cellular lining of the oesophagus, according to the researchers. People who experience frequent heartburn were found to have nearly 80% of increased risk even if they were not heavy drinkers or smokers. The full study appears in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal and highlights that heartburn is a major risk factor for laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma or throat cancer.
However amongst all such concerns, there is good news. People who suffer from constant heartburn taking antacids can lower the prospect. Researchers want to determine if it reduces the chance of getting this disease or has no real influence on it. Initial data suggests that antacids may have a beneficial aspect, but more research is required. For now we can say it can be treated by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption and also intake of food that have too much spices and high-fat content. If that does not help then in such severe case surgery is the last option.
