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What Causes Acid Reflux And Gastritis?
Question: I've suffered from acid reflux and gastritis for many years. My symptoms come and go, but seem to be getting worse over time. If I take Dexilant, Tums, and really watch my diet things aren't too bad, but any deviation will cause a relapse. I had a scope about five years ago, an abdominal ultrasound two years ago, and an abdominal CT last year, all were normal. I also got tested for H Pylori and a full blood work up recently, which also showed nothing. My GI doctor doesn't seem concerned, but I'm getting tired of this. Should I push for another scope? Also, after getting my gallbladder removed I started taking Digestive Enzymes with Pepsin, could this be contributing to the problem? Finally, since no medicine seems to completely control my symptoms, should I be concerned about stomach or esophagus cancer? I'm only 38, but still concerned. Thanks so much for your assistance.
Brief Answer:
No need to be worried about cancer at this point.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
First of all please note that there is no reason to take Digestive Enzymes and Pepsin after gallbladder removal. This enzymes should be taken in case of pancreas diseases, but not after gallbladder removal. So you should try to quit this medicines.
Secondly, as you do have GERD which is a chronic disease, you should take Dexilant (or other antiacid) for a long time, not just from time to time. Some patients feel long lasting relief after a month or few months therapy with antiacids. And some of them, wont have theirs symptoms back, when stopping taking it.
As you are young person, if the symptoms can not be controlled with diet and medicines, you may discuss with general surgeon about laparoscopic surgery called fundoplication which can set you free from the symptoms for ever.
You are rather not at higher than regular risk of stomach or esophageal cancer. The risk can appear higher for esophagus cancer if due to constant esophagus irritation you will get Brretts esophagus. That is why GERD should be controlled, not ignored.
And gastroscopy should be repeated if the symptoms are coming back.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
No need to be worried about cancer at this point.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
First of all please note that there is no reason to take Digestive Enzymes and Pepsin after gallbladder removal. This enzymes should be taken in case of pancreas diseases, but not after gallbladder removal. So you should try to quit this medicines.
Secondly, as you do have GERD which is a chronic disease, you should take Dexilant (or other antiacid) for a long time, not just from time to time. Some patients feel long lasting relief after a month or few months therapy with antiacids. And some of them, wont have theirs symptoms back, when stopping taking it.
As you are young person, if the symptoms can not be controlled with diet and medicines, you may discuss with general surgeon about laparoscopic surgery called fundoplication which can set you free from the symptoms for ever.
You are rather not at higher than regular risk of stomach or esophageal cancer. The risk can appear higher for esophagus cancer if due to constant esophagus irritation you will get Brretts esophagus. That is why GERD should be controlled, not ignored.
And gastroscopy should be repeated if the symptoms are coming back.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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