How Chemotherapy Causes Heartburn
Heartburn is a symptom ofacid reflux.
Chemo can cause GERD by damaging the cells of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus and LES.
When the digestive tract is affected, the esophagus can become severely inflamed, a condition referred to asesophagitis.
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Acid reflux only serves to perpetuate esophagitis, leading to a worsening of heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.
It can also be exacerbated by structural problems that alter the position of the LES.
Risk factors for GERD include:
Having any of these conditions predisposes you to GERD.
Recognizing this can help you build strategies to reduce the risk if you are set to undergo chemo.
The same basic rules apply whether you have cancer or not.
This interaction can be avoided by separating antacid and chemo doses by at least two hours.
PPIs need to be avoided due to their long-lasting suppressive effects.
In severe cases, GERD can be treated with surgeries likefundoplicationwhich tightens the LES so that it fully closes.
Or, implantation of theLINX devicecan be done which tightens the LES using a string of magnetic beads.
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