Patient's question:
Since the New Year, my stomach has been uncomfortable with anything cold, and sweet things don't agree with me either. I've been taking care of it for half a year, but it hasn't improved. I'm very afraid there might be a serious problem with my stomach. Is this really a big issue?Doctor's answer:
Hello, stomach pain can be caused by several factors, but most of them are due to acid reflux. This means the liquid that should stay in the stomach flows backward into the esophagus. These digestive fluids contain hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), which is a corrosive substance used in industry to clean metals. Although the stomach has a protective lining to prevent acid erosion, the esophagus lacks this protective layer. Therefore, when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation, sometimes so severe that you might think it's a heart attack.