All About Acid Reflux

The painful condition where the contents of the stomach want to flow back the way they came to cause heartburn is something we may all have experienced in our lives: it is called acid reflux. Many similar conditions exist but they all exhibit pretty much the same range of symptoms but all fall under the umbrella of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to assimilate the food we eat, our stomach dissolves it with a strong acid. The burning sensation experienced by sufferers of this disorder is caused by the stomachs digestive fluid attempting to return up the esophagus.

Learning About the Dangers of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a very common condition, but surprisingly then one that many people are not fully aware of. Also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates back up into the esophagus.

As a result of this the person may begin to feel heat and inflammation in the chest and throat area, similar to heartburn but much more intense. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin which are normally produced by the stomach but which can have a seriously damaging effect on the lining of the esophagus if they make their way back up.

Acid Reflux Bacteria: Cancer Causing?

We never thought that a simple heartburn could result in many possible complications. Amongst these complications is the life threatening and debilitating illness, cancer. The mechanism for which it affects our gastrointestinal system could never be understood; but research shows that the bacteria flourishing both in the esophagus and the stomach could nonetheless lead to cancer.

There are two types of acid reflux bacteria that are proven harmful to our system. One is the cancer causing Helicobacter Pylori existing in the stomach walls and the other is a diverse bunch of organisms which thrives in the esophagus. Both organisms are related to stomach and esophageal cancers.