Acid Reflux Bacteria: Cancer Causing?

We never thought that a simple heartburn could result in many possible complications. Amongst these complications is the life threatening and debilitating illness, cancer. The mechanism for which it affects our gastrointestinal system could never be understood; but research shows that the bacteria flourishing both in the esophagus and the stomach could nonetheless lead to cancer.

There are two types of acid reflux bacteria that are proven harmful to our system. One is the cancer causing Helicobacter Pylori existing in the stomach walls and the other is a diverse bunch of organisms which thrives in the esophagus. Both organisms are related to stomach and esophageal cancers.

Barett’s Esophagus

Although it was not really proven that the bacteria residing in the esophagus can positively cause cancer, it was verified that it can otherwise contribute to the shifting of our normal esophageal cells. Instead of having a smooth cell lining, the esophagus is transformed into an abnormal and coarse wall. This process is usually seen in patients having reflux disease. Due to prolonged regurgitation, the lining of the esophagus is continually irritated leaving it into a condition called a Barett’s esophagus. Acid reflux bacteria then thrives into the esophageal lining contributing to further irritation and infection, thus leading to cancer.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is an acid reflux bacteria caused by prolonged regurgitation and prolonged irritation of the stomach wall. When people experience frequent heartburn, the stomach produces more acid leading to ulcerations in its walls. Having ulcers in the stomach walls cause such bacteria to thrive on it. Helicobacter Pylori is pathogenic in the sense that it invades the stomach’s normal flora, and is debilitating in the sense that it is proven to be the cause of gastric cancer.

Acid Reflux Bacteria and the Cancers Associated With It

Two complications of acid reflux disease are proven to be cancer-causing. One is cancer of the esophagus and the other is cancer of the stomach. Reflux may seem to be a simple problem since most people experience it from time to time; but we must remember that occasional reflux is different form frequent reflux. The latter suggests that it is important to consult the physician and have ourselves treated before any of the complications arise. Acid reflux bacteria can be easily treated with compliance to antibiotics; but cancer has no means of any cure. So before everything gets as worse as cancer, we might consider seeking the help of health professionals before everything gets too late.