Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Can Acid Reflux Heartburn Kill You?

Acid Reflux Symptom

The have been a flurry of recent articles in various medical publications linking acid reflux heartburn to life threatening diseases. It is doubtful that there are many medical examiners or doctors that have cited acid reflux heartburn as the direct cause of death. However acid reflux heartburn symptoms have been associated with cancer, lung disease, CPOD, heart disease, strokes, obesity and other life threatening conditions. Many medical professionals feel that acid reflux heartburn symptoms are indicators of a more serious condition and should be considered warning signs. Severe acid reflux heartburn symptoms lead to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This condition is characterized as severe scarring of the esophagus by repeated exposure to stomach acid. This condition has been identified as a precursor to esophageal cancers.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Most medical professional will tell you that in general people with chronic acid reflux heartburn are suffering from poor lifestyle choices. Smoking, abusing alcohol, binge eating, obesity, lack of exercise and ingesting the wrong kinds of food are all directly linked to the symptoms of heartburn and the causes of acid reflux. In addition these lifestyle choices are also linked to real killers like heart attacks, strokes and cancer. The keyword here is choices. Granted there are genetic predispositions that may make one more susceptible acid reflux heartburn related conditions but by in large most acid reflux heartburn is cause by our own action or lack of action. If you accept this fact then it goes without saying that the serious life threatening diseases and conditions are also related to our poor choices in lifestyle as well.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Lift style changes when done early enough can stop your heartburn symptoms and possibly prevent serious medical conditions later in life. If you are already suffering from a medical condition that is relatively life threatening and have serious acid reflux damage in the form of GERD then you will need lots of medical assistance in addition to making the necessary lifestyle changes. If you were born with poor genetics that make you predisposed to addictive behaviors like smoking, the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of alcohol you will have a very tough time making the life style changes necessary to improve the quality of your life and stay alive. Even if you were fortunate enough to be free of addictive genes simple lifestyle changes are really neither simple nor easy. Again as human beings we have the ability to make choices and many choices in life are hard and require discipline.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Once you have decided to cure your acid reflux heartburn symptoms through life style changes you will need to see your physician for a physical exam. This has two major benefits with the first being that with a complete physical your doctor will determine if your symptoms are related to a more serious disease or condition. The second reason to see your physician is to ask where you cans get assistance in making the tough lifestyle changes that you need to make. Your chances of success in making any lifestyle change is related to the help and support you receive in your endeavor. Only a very few people are able to make major lifestyle changes without the support of their family, friends and medical providers.

Remember that although acid reflux heartburn probably will not kill you directly the underlying causes associated with it may. The symptoms of this condition are painful and reduce the quality of your life. How much longer are you going to continue to suffer needlessly? Yes it does require discipline and hard work but it just may save your life.

Can Acid Reflux Heartburn Kill You?

Acid Reflux Symptom

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