Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe LinkCauses and Risk FactorsWhat to AvoidTreatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Link
Causes and Risk Factors
What to Avoid
Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows up from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in irritation. This is a common digestive condition, but your risk increases if you receive or have completed chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs are strong, and your gastrointestinal tract is not spared from related side effects. Acid reflux is one of these side effects, and symptoms can include indigestion and heartburn.
These symptoms can flare after meals, during normal activity, or at night when you’re to get much-needed rest. Though avoiding all side effects of chemotherapy is not possible, acid reflux is one that you can work to manage.
Read on to find out more about why this occurs, ways to treat it, and lifestyle changes that you can do to help manage symptoms and reduce acid reflux.
AMELIE-BENOIST / BSIP / Corbis / Getty Images
How Chemotherapy Increases Reflux
Acid reflux is common during and afterchemotherapy, which affects how chemotherapy drugs work.
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells. The problem is that they cannot distinguish between normal, rapidly dividing cells and cancer cells, so the drugs attack them all.
When follicle cells are affected, hair loss occurs. In addition, suppressed bone marrow leads to blood disorders. Similarly, when cells in the gastrointestinal tract lining are damaged, corrosive stomach acid can flow into your esophagus instead of being carefully contained.
When such acid reflux episodes occur, chest pain and a burning feeling are common.Other possible symptoms include:
Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux is often a result of not having enough stomach acid and/or digestive enzymes to efficiently break down a meal.Certain foods, beverages, and over-eating can contribute to the problem.
Additional risk factors include:
If you were experiencing acid reflux before undergoing chemotherapy treatment, these potential causes could be why. If any persist or are newly relevant since starting chemo, they can compound the digestive side effects associated with your treatment.
Whether you’re undergoing chemotherapy or have completed your treatment and are experiencing acid reflux, it’s a good idea to avoid the following to lessen the likelihood of experiencing discomfort.
If you have special nutrition considerations as a result of your chemotherapy treatment, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients and enough calories.
Drinking Alcohol During Chemotherapy
Treatments and Special Considerations
Taking digestive enzymes and increasing stomach acid with betaine hydrochloric acid (HCL)tablets found at health food stores may be all that’s needed to relieve acid reflux for some healthy individuals.
However, special considerations should be taken for those undergoing chemotherapy treatment due to related increased digestive sensitivity.
Other typical courses of treatment for acid reflux may include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription acid-neutralizing or acid-blocking medications.Some common medications for acid reflux include:
Antacids
Long-term use can result in potential adverse health outcomes.
PPIs and H2 blockers
One study showedan increased survival rate for people with a certain type of head and neck cancer who take PPIs and H2 blockers.
Another study showeda decrease in survival rate for people with gastroesophageal cancer when taking PPIs and potentially H2 blockers because of the medicine’s neutralizing effects on certain types of chemotherapy.
Side effects of prolonged usemay includecancer,osteoporosis, decreased stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), reduced nutrient absorption (malabsorption), increased risk of infection,dementia, kidney disease, and death.
Acid reflux drugs come with their own risks and possible interactions with certain types of chemotherapy and other prescription medications. Always talk to your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re taking during chemotherapy and discuss any new one before starting them.
Summary
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of different side effects, including acid reflux. When chemotherapy drugs damage the cells in your stomach lining, stomach acid can flow into the esophagus. Lifestyle and diet changes and various medications (both OTC and prescription) can help. If you experience acid reflux during or after chemo, let your treatment team know, as there are treatments available that can reduce symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Chemotherapy is not easy. Feeling sick and exhausted is not uncommon. Acid reflux can only add to this, but it may not be something you have to live with.
Mention your symptoms to your healthcare providers and work together to find strategies that can help prevent episodes as you undergo and look back on cancer treatment.
A licensed nutritionist knowledgeable about chemotherapy and digestive disorders can help you tailor your diet to meet your health needs.
Other Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you’re having digestion issues from chemotherapy, sometimes burping can be a side effect. Chemo can sometimes cause gas, and burping can be a symptom.Antacids should be used sparingly while on chemo because they can further irritate the stomach. In addition, they may need to be avoided depending on the chemotherapy drug you are on because they can interfere with the chemotherapy drugs. Ask your chemotherapy treatment team what you are allowed to take before taking any OTC or prescription medication.While no food is a miracle that will eliminate every side effect, some foods can reduce side effects of chemo like excess acid, stomach upset, fatigue, or nausea. Foods that can help include oatmeal or cream of wheat, soups, plain pasta or rice, mashed potatoes, toast, natural pretzels, Saltine crackers, popsicles, frozen fruit bars, skinned broiled/baked chicken, applesauce, and pudding.
If you’re having digestion issues from chemotherapy, sometimes burping can be a side effect. Chemo can sometimes cause gas, and burping can be a symptom.
Antacids should be used sparingly while on chemo because they can further irritate the stomach. In addition, they may need to be avoided depending on the chemotherapy drug you are on because they can interfere with the chemotherapy drugs. Ask your chemotherapy treatment team what you are allowed to take before taking any OTC or prescription medication.
While no food is a miracle that will eliminate every side effect, some foods can reduce side effects of chemo like excess acid, stomach upset, fatigue, or nausea. Foods that can help include oatmeal or cream of wheat, soups, plain pasta or rice, mashed potatoes, toast, natural pretzels, Saltine crackers, popsicles, frozen fruit bars, skinned broiled/baked chicken, applesauce, and pudding.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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