'It's scary one in 10 have this at least once every week'
Professor Janusz Jankowski, a consultant gastroenterologist at Leicester's hospitals, is an expert in acid reflux and the more serious conditions known as Barrett's Oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.
He said: "Acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn – they are caused when acid from the stomach slops back up into the oesophagus.
"It is quite frightening that about 30 per cent of people will experience it and about one in 10 people experience it at least once a week.
"By and large, it affects middle-aged and older individuals and usually reflects eating habits such as eating a large meal late at night.
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"People who eat a lot of fatty foods are also more liable to suffer.
"Exercise is also key. Recent research indicates that even being a little overweight isn't acceptable."
A lot of people with acid reflux can diagnose and control their condition with over-the-counter medications such as Gaviscon, which can help neutralise the acid.
However, Prof Jankowski said about a third of sufferers would need to get help from their GP.
The danger of the condition is that, in a small number of cases, it can lead to Barrett's Oesophagus, when cells change and can develop in oesophageal cancer.
The gastroenterology department at Leicester's hospitals is one of the leading centres in the country for research into the conditions. Prof Janowski is involved in a trial looking at whether giving aspirin and a drug called esomeprazole is a way of preventing cancer of the food pipe (oesophagus).
He said: "The trial has involved 2,500 people nationally with about 400 people from Leicestershire. We expect the interim results next year.
"A second study, involving 8,000 patients with about 900 from Leicestershire, is looking at the genetics of Barrett's oesophagus."
Comments
by disident3
Saturday, November 10 2012, 11:20AM
“If you had to watch your wife in agony for hours on end with no respite cure or any help from doctors you may change your mind. Yes try food, yet it does not work, the doctors use the standard excuse IBS. Tried every medication, quack cures cost a bomb the lot. I can assure you people do not like these pains. My wife would willingly try anything. But saying that we are well passed our sell by date.”
by mole74
Saturday, November 10 2012, 10:04AM
“Rather than pump people full of drugs - the impact of which is unknown - why not just get them to change their eating habits? After all, its unhealthy eating that causes the problem in the first place. This would save the NHS money, would be better for the nation's health and cut the profits of the drug companies - all good outcomes.”