Is Heart Burn A Symptom Of Cancer?

Posted on Sun, 11 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi sir
I have heart bern for 5 days. When i spicy food it trigers more. Even little spicy. I use to go to bed soon after food. I have a fear will it b a symptom of cancer.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
do not be worried about cancer....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have noted your symptoms - you been suffering from acute heart burn triggered by spicy food. Though cancer also presents with heart burn, it is not logical to be worried about cancer now. You could simply be suffering with acute gastritis / GERD.

I would start you on a course of proton pump inhibitor medicine like esomeprazole 20mg half an hour before food twice a day for 3 weeks. Avoid spicy food, caffeine, beverages and unnecessary pain medications. If you do not feel better or if symptoms worsens, you should see a doctor for further evaluation. An endoscopy as well as ultrasound scan will help us rule out cancers and other medical conditions.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar