For most people, heartburn is merely a temporary and uncomfortable symptom. However, when it persists over long periods, it may lead to more serious complications and, in some cases, progress to precancerous stages.
اضافة اعلان
According to a report published by Fox News, medical experts indicate that about 10% of people with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may develop a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, in which the lining of the lower part of the esophagus is replaced by abnormal cells that are more prone to becoming cancerous.
Studies show that between 3% and 13% of people with Barrett’s esophagus may later develop esophageal cancer, while the condition does not progress in the vast majority of cases.
When Does Acid Reflux Become Dangerous?
Gastrointestinal health specialist Dr. Darrell Joffe says: “The stomach is designed to handle acid, but the esophagus is not.” He adds: “In cases of reflux, the danger is not the sensation of burning in the chest or throat, but the continuous flow of acid in the wrong direction.”
He explains that the lower esophageal sphincter—what he describes as the “acid gate”—prevents acid from flowing upward in most people, keeping it inside the stomach, which is protected by a thick mucus lining and specialized cells designed to withstand acids.
Dr. Joffe notes that this “acid gate” can weaken when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or remains partially open, allowing acid to reflux upward. He explains that this weakness may be linked to magnesium deficiency, high stress levels, alcohol consumption, poor sleep, dehydration, eating late at night, and other factors that disrupt healthy digestion.
He adds that when acid reaches the esophagus, it irritates tissues that are not designed to tolerate acidity, saying: “Each time acid flows in the wrong direction, it causes gradual damage similar to a slow chemical burn.” Over time, this irritation may erode the lining, increase inflammation, and alter the nature of the cells.
He continues: “These new cells are no longer normal esophageal cells; they begin to transform into cells resembling the stomach lining because they are more acid-resistant.” He notes that this transformation is known as metaplasia, or Barrett’s esophagus.
Dr. Joffe warns that as cells begin to change, the risk of further mutations increases, and if this process continues, it may develop into dysplasia, the stage that directly precedes esophageal cancer.
He concludes: “The real danger does not lie in the sensation of heartburn itself, but in repeated exposure to acid that forces the esophagus to adapt in ways it was never designed for. Treating reflux at its root can stop this entire chain before cellular changes begin.”
Men Are at Greater Risk
Dr. Joffe warns that men are generally at higher risk from acid reflux, as they tend to deplete magnesium stores more quickly, accumulate visceral fat that pushes upward on the stomach, eat heavier meals, and consume more late-night snacks. He explains that all these factors weaken the “acid gate” and disrupt healthy digestion.
He adds: “Eating within three hours before lying down almost guarantees that the stomach will not empty, making it one of the biggest causes of nighttime reflux.” He continues: “In addition, men often ignore symptoms or mask them with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids instead of addressing the root cause.”
He points out that the combination of these factors creates a “perfect storm” of chronic inflammation and long-term damage.
Warning Signs
There are warning signs indicating that acid reflux has moved beyond being a temporary nuisance and has become persistent and chronic. Dr. Joffe says: “If the burning sensation becomes more frequent or more intense, or begins to occur even without eating, this is a major warning signal from the body.”
He explains that difficulty swallowing, a sensation of food being “stuck,” chronic hoarseness, persistent coughing, frequent throat clearing, or the feeling of a lump in the throat are all indicators that acid is refluxing into areas it should not reach.
He warns: “The appearance of ulcers in the throat, or even in the mouth, is an additional sign that acid is causing real damage.”
He adds that “another major red flag is when reflux shifts from an occasional issue to a daily or nightly occurrence, or when PPIs and antacids stop providing relief.” He notes that this “often means the esophageal lining is irritated and eroded, and may already be undergoing cellular-level changes.”
Asharq Al-Awsat
