Is it true that people who suffer esophagus reflux lose weight, on the grounds that food cannot be absorbed properly by the stomach?
REPLY:
No, this not true.
Reflux (regurgitation) of acid and stomach contents is common to some degree in all of us and commonly results in the symptom of heartburn. People who reflux acid and partially digested food on a more frequent basis can develop irritation or actual ulcers in the esophageal lining since it is not resistant to acid in the way that the stomach protects itself. The ulcers in the esophagus can be a significant source of severe symptoms including very bad heartburn, pain on swallowing, or bleeding. The ulcers can heal with the development of a narrowing or stricture which can lead to problems in swallowing especially for bulky solids. If someone has severe esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or a stricture weightloss could result in such a case but not because of any problems with absorption or digestion of food either in the stomach or in the small intestines.
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Bruce Sckolnick, M.D.
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