3. Indigestion and Acid Reflux: The Sneaky Disturbances of PDAC
Indigestion and acid reflux might seem like common disturbances we all experience occasionally. However, when these issues persist or become more frequent without a clear reason, they could be red flags pointing to PDAC.
Indigestion, medically termed as dyspepsia, is more than just discomfort in the stomach. It’s a collection of symptoms that can include pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness, often occurring during or after meals.
With PDAC, tumors in the pancreas can interfere with the normal digestive process, causing these symptoms. As the tumor grows and impedes enzyme release essential for digestion, the stomach struggles to process food efficiently, leading to indigestion.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), involves stomach acid making its way back into the esophagus. This not only causes a burning sensation, often referred to as heartburn, but can also lead to damage of the esophageal lining.
When the pancreas is compromised by a tumor, it might not produce bicarbonate as effectively. Bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid, and without enough of it, the chances of acid reflux increase.(3)
