Burning questions about soothing acid reflux

May 18, 2023

When the contents of your stomach – food, stomach acid, enzymes, and bile – come up into your esophagus instead of going down into the intestines, you’ve got acid reflux. While your stomach can handle these harsh substances, they cause irritation in your esophagus and, over time can damage it.

That’s of special concern to patients who take chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy is designed to target cancer cells, which grow and reproduce faster than most normal cells. Unfortunately, the cells that line the digestive tract also reproduce quickly. As a result, those healthy cells are often affected by chemotherapy — and that’s why acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea are common chemotherapy side effects.

Chemotherapy can cause mouth and throat sores, which may also create a burning feeling. Check with your doctor to find the cause of your acid reflux symptoms.

Never miss another Cancer Talk blog!

Sign up to receive our weekly Cancer Talk e-newsletter.

Remember to always drink a full glass of water when taking medicine.

Learn more

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) from Roswell Park

Acid Reflux in Adults from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIHDDK)