Acid Reflux News and Research

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Acid reflux disease is a condition that often results when a valve located at the end of the esophagus malfunctions. When this valve relaxes inappropriately, it may allow stomach acid to splash up and irritate the lining of the esophagus, creating the sensation called heartburn, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Frequent, persistent heartburn is the primary symptom associated with acid reflux disease or GERD.

Invasive surgery should be done for select patients with acid reflux, says study

As the number of Americans with acid reflux grows, a study by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus says invasive procedures to treat those who don't respond to medication should be done for select patients.

8 May 2018

Centrosome amplification may contribute to initiation of cancers, research suggests

Cells begin to accumulate centrosomes-;organelles that play a vital role during cell division-;before they transform into cancer cells, according to a new study of patients with Barrett's esophagus condition, which is associated with esophageal cancer.

8 May 2018

New analysis describes how childhood obesity 'pandemic' promotes cancer

A Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researcher has compiled evidence from more than 100 publications to show how obesity increases risk of 13 different cancers in young adults.

26 Mar 2018

Acid reflux linked to cancer of respiratory and upper digestive tracts in older adults

Acid reflux was associated with cancer of the respiratory and upper digestive tracts in older adults.

21 Dec 2017

An overlooked epidemic: Older Americans taking too many unneeded drugs

Consider it America’s other prescription drug epidemic. For decades, experts have warned that older Americans are taking too many unnecessary drugs, often prescribed by multiple doctors, for dubious or unknown reasons.

12 Dec 2017

Study shows link between use of reflux medications and increased risk of CKD, kidney failure

A recent analysis has linked certain medications commonly used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers with the development of kidney disease. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2017 October 31–November 5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

6 Nov 2017

Prolonged use of PPIs linked with two-fold increased risk of stomach cancer, study finds

A new study published in the online journal Gut suggested that the prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that are mainly utilized in treating acid reflux is associated with more than a two-fold increase in the risk of gastric cancer.

1 Nov 2017

CUMC researchers discover ‘cell of origin’ for esophageal cancer

Columbia University Medical Center researchers have identified cells in the upper digestive tract that can give rise to Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer. The discovery of this "cell of origin" promises to accelerate the development of more precise screening tools and therapies for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, the fastest growing form of cancer in the U.S.

11 Oct 2017

Common acid reflux drugs linked to progression of chronic liver disease

Approximately 10 percent of the general population take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug to block stomach acid secretions and relieve symptoms of frequent heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

10 Oct 2017

$Study finds no link between PPI use and bone fractures in patients with Barrett's esophagus$

Study finds no link between PPI use and bone fractures in patients with Barrett's esophagus

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—medications commonly used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers—have been linked with potentially serious side effects including a possible increased risk of bone fractures.

9 Oct 2017

Experts call for greater focus on effective screening methods to help save lives from digestive cancers

Experts from United European Gastroenterology (UEG), presenting at the European Digestive Cancer Days Conference in Prague today, are calling on European governments to focus their efforts on developing early diagnosis techniques, in order to save thousands of lives from digestive cancers including a more targeted approach to ensure at risk patients don’t ‘slip through the early-detection net’.

28 Sep 2017

Researchers explore older adults' awareness of drug-related health risks

Geriatrics experts know that certain medications may have risks for older adults that outweigh their benefits, especially when safer alternatives are available.

19 Sep 2017

Scientists reveal key role of excess gut calcium in C. diff infections

It lurks in hospitals and nursing homes, surviving the cleaning crew's attempt to kill it by holing up in a tiny hard shell. It preys upon patients already weak from disease or advanced age.

13 Jul 2017

Proton pump inhibitors linked to increased death risk

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the commonest agents prescribed for heart burn or acid reflux. These agents are available for purchase over-the-counter making them one of the most commonly used drugs that make around $10 billion in annual sales. PPIs work by reducing the production of the gastric acids in the stomach. There are several known risks associated with PPI use including complete stoppage of gastric acid production, risk of pneumonia, kidney disorders, bone fractures such as hip fractures etc.

5 Jul 2017

Commonly prescribed gastric acid drug may increase death risk, study shows

Long-term use of a popular class of drug called proton pump inhibitors (PPIS) has been linked to an increased risk of death in a study published in BMJ Open. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking the use of PPIs to a range of health problems including kidney damage, bone fracture and dementia.

4 Jul 2017

Case Western Reserve University awarded $6 million grant to continue research on Barrett's Esophagus

The National Cancer Institute recently awarded a $6 million grant to the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to continue research on Barrett's Esophagus, a potentially fatal condition caused by long-term acid reflux.

31 May 2017

Prolonged use of popular heartburn drugs linked to silent, gradual kidney damage

Taking popular heartburn drugs for prolonged periods has been linked to serious kidney problems, including kidney failure.

22 Feb 2017

Mothers' use of acid-suppressing medication during pregnancy may be linked to asthma in children

Children born to mothers who take heartburn medication during pregnancy may have a greater risk of developing asthma, research suggests.

9 Jan 2017

Saint Louis University geriatrician urges older patients to talk to doctors about too many pills

If you're 65 or older and taking more than four medications, resolve to talk to your doctor about doing a New Year's triage to make sure too many pills aren't making you sick, advises Milta Little, D.O., associate professor of geriatrics at Saint Louis University.

26 Dec 2016

Drugs used to treat acid reflux and ulcers may increase risk of developing kidney stones and CKD

Certain medications commonly used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers can have damaging effects on the kidneys.

18 Nov 2016