A Harvard-trained gastroenterologist has issued a stark reminder about a symptom most people dismiss as ordinary acidity or indigestion. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gut and liver health specialist, warned in a recent Instagram video that persistent heartburn could signal a far more dangerous condition—one that, if neglected, may lead to esophageal cancer.
When acidity isn’t just acidity
Dr. Sethi began his post with an unsettling account of a recent patient who developed esophageal cancer after years of untreated heartburn. He explained that heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter—the valve separating the stomach from the food pipe—fails to close properly after meals. This allows acid to flow upward into the esophagus, irritating its delicate lining.
“Over time, this can lead to a precancerous lesion called Barrett’s esophagus and potentially esophageal cancer,” he warned in the video.
The chilling risk behind a common symptom
While occasional acidity can often be managed through simple lifestyle measures, Dr. Sethi emphasized that chronic reflux should never be brushed off. According to him, symptoms like persistent burning, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling of food getting stuck warrant medical evaluation.
He suggested practical steps for mild cases—sleeping on the left side, avoiding late-night meals, eating lighter dinners, and chewing unsweetened fennel seeds after food. However, he cautioned that frequent reliance on antacids or ignoring symptoms may only mask the underlying problem.
“Many people ignore chronic heartburn or acid reflux, assuming it’s just a normal digestive issue. But persistent reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus—and in some cases, progress to a serious condition known as esophageal cancer,” Dr. Sethi noted in his caption.
Dr. Sethi, who has trained at premier institutions including AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, has built a reputation for translating complex gastroenterology into practical advice. His message this time is simple but urgent: if acidity has become a routine part of your life, it’s time to stop normalizing it. Persistent heartburn is not just about discomfort—it may be your body’s alarm bell for something far more serious.
When acidity isn’t just acidity
Dr. Sethi began his post with an unsettling account of a recent patient who developed esophageal cancer after years of untreated heartburn. He explained that heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter—the valve separating the stomach from the food pipe—fails to close properly after meals. This allows acid to flow upward into the esophagus, irritating its delicate lining.
“Over time, this can lead to a precancerous lesion called Barrett’s esophagus and potentially esophageal cancer,” he warned in the video.
The chilling risk behind a common symptom
While occasional acidity can often be managed through simple lifestyle measures, Dr. Sethi emphasized that chronic reflux should never be brushed off. According to him, symptoms like persistent burning, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling of food getting stuck warrant medical evaluation.
He suggested practical steps for mild cases—sleeping on the left side, avoiding late-night meals, eating lighter dinners, and chewing unsweetened fennel seeds after food. However, he cautioned that frequent reliance on antacids or ignoring symptoms may only mask the underlying problem.
“Many people ignore chronic heartburn or acid reflux, assuming it’s just a normal digestive issue. But persistent reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus—and in some cases, progress to a serious condition known as esophageal cancer,” Dr. Sethi noted in his caption.
Dr. Sethi, who has trained at premier institutions including AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, has built a reputation for translating complex gastroenterology into practical advice. His message this time is simple but urgent: if acidity has become a routine part of your life, it’s time to stop normalizing it. Persistent heartburn is not just about discomfort—it may be your body’s alarm bell for something far more serious.
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