A doctor has revealed something that may seem like a common problem but could lead to a fatal type of cancer in the future.
Doctors have issues several warnings about the rise in bowel cancer among younger patients, but that's not the only type of cancer that's becoming more common.
There is one form of the deadly disease that can creep up on you, with many not realising they have it or at risk of it until it’s too late.
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It leaves 9 our of 10 patients dead within ten years of being diagnosed.
According to a gut health doctor, the main symptom is a ticking time bomb ready to explode into cancer and millions are unaware of it.
Gastroenterologist Dr Wendi LeBrett shared that acid reflux is something that many don’t realise they have.
While it’s something that people might think is a normal ailment, if it persists, it could transform into cancer.
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Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach travels back up towards the throat, burning people’s oesophagus in the process.
Sadly, ongoing acid reflux, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can go on to cause cancer.
Oesophageal cancer begins in the oesophagus, the tube that takes any food or drink that we consume down to the stomach.
The cancer is typically only caught when it has advanced as the initial symptoms can be mistaken as simply having a little reflux.
The acid from reflux can damage the tube, changing the cells to become cancerous.
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Dr LeBrett said that around a third of people suffering from it will go on to experience the 'typical symptoms'.
In an TikTok video, she said: “About 60 to 70 percent of people who have acid reflux have the typical symptom of heartburn — the burning sensation in your chest often after eating.
“That means around one in three do not have typical symptoms or know they have the condition.”
Little known symptoms of acid reflux
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So, if anyone has any hidden signs of acid reflux, it’s important to keep check of it.
“Watch out for a chronic cough, particularly at night when acid reflux is worse,” she said. “Breathing problems can also be a symptom as the acid irritates the airways and can exacerbate conditions like asthma.”
She added: “Problems swallowing is also an atypical symptom.”
If you notice these types of signs, as well as yellowing and cracked teeth, it’s best to talk to a provider.
For those in her comments, her warning hit home, as one person said: “I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer last year. I’m 36. I’ve had acid reflux most of my life but never thought anything of it. I had all those symptoms you mention but was gaslit and dismissed by my doctors.”
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Another vowed: “Not me having a chronic cough because of my acid, getting it checked next Monday.”
According to the NHS, symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, a sour taste in the chest, a persistent cough or hiccups, and burping a lot.
If you have these symptoms, talking to your GP could help you manage the symptoms.
Britt Jones