Heartburn Symptoms From Cancer Treatment

One of the most common treatments for cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause a variety of side effects. Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is a common and manageable side effect of this cancer treatment.

Features

• Heartburn occurs when your stomach acid or stomach contents back up into your esophagus. Heartburn can be affected by your daily activity, what you eat and your sleeping habits. Spicy and acidic foods, certain medications and cancer treatments can cause heartburn.

Function

• Cancer cells grow and divide quickly, crowding out healthy cells. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing any cells that divide quickly, including the normal, fast-growing cells in the lining of your stomach and intestines, reports the American Cancer Society.

Symptoms

• Once a chemotherapy drug kills the cells in you stomach and intestines, you may experience gastrointestinal side effects. These side effects are acid indigestion, gastric reflux, acid reflux, nausea and upset stomach. All of these can feel like heartburn and cause you discomfort.

Solution

• Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are effective in treating heartburn caused by chemotherapy treatment. Some prescription medication, like Pepcid and Prilosec, are now available over the counter. Talk with your doctor about the one that's best for you. Dietary changes and lifestyle habits alone, like avoiding spicy foods and eating dinner several hours before going to bed, can help ease heartburn.

Time Frame

• According to the American Cancer Society, heartburn related to cancer treatment is temporary. After your treatment stops, the cells that line your stomach and intestines will be replenished, which should cause your heartburn symptoms to lessen. It can take several months after your last treatment for your heartburn to subside.