Dr. Vijay Kumar H J, Senior Consultant  Medical Gastroenterology, Hepatology &
Interventional Endoscopy, KIMS Hospitals (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences), Bengaluru.

Periodic acidity is normal, chronic acidity might be a warning sign for gastrointestinal
problems, including the onset of cancer in some cases. Here’s when to stop self medicating

and seek help.

For most Indians, acidity is a regular problem caused by spicy foods, irregular mealtimes, or
stress. An instant antacid can seem like an effortless remedy. But what if that burning feeling
doesn’t go away? Chronic acidity could be more serious than it looks.

Understanding the difference between periodic and chronic acidity
Acidity, also called acid reflux, is a condition where stomach acid moves back up into the
esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Periodic acid reflux is
generally associated with lifestyle factors, such as overeating, late-night dinners, coffee, or
alcohol.

If, however, the above-mentioned symptoms occur two or more times a week and despite
taking medicine, then Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should be ruled out. Long
term GERD, in case of not treatment, can lead to esophageal lining lesions and even to
some complications.

The red flags people usually overlook:
As doctors, we warn about certain symptoms that are often considered just “an acidity” and
thus can hinder proper diagnosis of some other conditions:

 Constant feeling that food goes down difficultly (dysphagia): It is the symptom
of esophageal strictures or tumors formation.

 Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying may indicate an underlying
metabolic or malignant condition.

 Vomiting or nausea: When it happen along with blood or coffee colored contents.
 Sustained cough or change in voice pitch: As a result of irritation caused by
stomach acid.

 Stools being black or tarry. Indicates blood loss from an ulcer in stomach or
duodenum.

This is not how it usually looks with acidity and should never be overlooked.
When can it be a symptom of cancer?

In spite of the fact that acidities are rarely associated with cancer, prolonged acid reflux may
eventually result in a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which means that the
esophagus lining changes because of constant irritation from acidic liquid.

Similarly, persistent indigestion, bloating, and early satiety could sometimes be early
indicators of stomach cancer, particularly in individuals with risk factors like smoking, alcohol
consumption, or a family history of gastrointestinal cancers.

It should be noted that although cancer is rarely considered a possible cause of acidities, the
danger is in ignoring certain symptoms.
Who is at higher risk?

 People aged above 40 experiencing a new onset of acidity (persisting Symptoms)
 Heavy smokers or drinkers
 Overweight individuals or those with sedentary lifestyle
 Family history of gastrointestinal malignancies
 Untreated GERD for a prolonged period of time
Why consult a physician

Should the symptoms of acidity last more than two weeks even after undergoing treatment,
or if any of the warning signs mentioned above occurs, seeking professional advice
becomes crucial. The doctor may suggest further diagnostic procedures such as endoscopic
examination, imaging techniques, H pylori testing or tissue biopsy to exclude any serious
illness.

Conclusion: Don't ignore your body's messages
Living in a society that prefers self-medication, a recurrent episode of acidity is easily
dismissed. However, your body doesn't signal you without a purpose, and an early diagnosis
may prevent not only common illnesses like GERD but also save your life.