Abuja – Dr Agnes Eguagie, a Gastroenterologist with National Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday said regular exposure of the lower esophagus to acidic stomach contents may transform into cancer.
Eguagie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that when the lower esophagus tries to adapt to the stomach acid contents, some cells changes and may transform into cancer.
“One of the major complications of heart burns is that the cells of the lower esophagus that keeps being exposed to constant acid tries to adapt to the acid content.
“The cells may change their form and can transform into cancer, this is because this is not what the cells are supposed to be like,” she said.
According to her, heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid which can create a burning discomfort in the upper abdomen or below the breast bone.
She said that occasional heartburn is not dangerous, but chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes lead to serious problems.
“The basic cause of heartburn is a Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), that doesn’t tighten as it should.
“Heartburn occurs when there is too much food in the stomach or too much pressure on the stomach usually from obesity, pregnancy or constipation,’’ said the expert.
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Eguagie said that certain foods commonly relax the LES which includes tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeinated products and peppermint.
She said meals high in fats and oils, stress and lack of sleep can increase acid production and cause heartburn.
Eguagie said smoking, which relaxes the LES and stimulates stomach acid, is a major contributor.
“The pressure of the swollen and unnaturally large size of the abdomen of pregnant women pushes food from the stomach into the esophagus as well as the fat infiltration in obese people,” she said.
Eguagie added that people who have diseases that cause them to develop a bloated stomach or fluid in the abdomen are prone to heartburns.
She warned people prone to heartburn always to watch their diet, saying that spicy foods and heavy meals should be avoided.
“Diet is important because, if the stomach is filled up with food, there will be more pressure on the muscular ring, it won’t close well and you‘ll have a reflux,” she said.
“Generally people should avoid eating late and also with a full stomach to bed. When you are sleeping at night, don’t put your head completely down on the bed but prop up yourself,’’ she advised.
According to her, although heartburns are quite difficult to manage, the treatment may require long term use of acid suppressant and chewable medicines. (NAN)