{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 2047817,
        "msgid": "ailment-affecting-many-indonesians-can-acid-reflux-cause-death-1792558272",
        "date": "2026-10-21 11:05:05",
        "title": "Ailment Affecting Many Indonesians: Can Acid Reflux Cause Death?",
        "author": "",
        "source": "CNBC",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Occasional acid reflux is generally harmless, but persistent reflux can develop into GERD and cause serious complications if left untreated. Although there are no reports of people dying in their sleep from choking on reflux, GERD can affect the airways; treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition and reduce complications.",
        "content": "<p>A video of a woman in Ponorogo, East Java, who suddenly died while on\na motorbike has gone viral on social media. She was thought to have\nbecome weak because of a stomach ailment. Can acid reflux and GERD\nreally cause sudden death?<\/p>\n<p>Stomach pain and an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest\ncaused by acid reflux are familiar to many people. Occasional acid\nreflux is generally harmless. But if it continues, the condition can\ndevelop into gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which carries a\nrisk of various health complications.<\/p>\n<p>GERD occurs when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, potentially\ncausing heartburn, nausea and inflammation of the oesophagus, known as\noesophagitis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can GERD be life-threatening?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Occasional acid reflux is generally not life-threatening. However,\nchronic reflux, or GERD, can cause serious complications if it is not\ntreated properly.<\/p>\n<p>One common concern is the risk of choking and dying in one\u2019s sleep\nbecause of acid reflux. Although there have been no reports of anyone\ndying in their sleep from choking due to acid reflux or GERD, the\ncondition should still be taken seriously.<\/p>\n<p>GERD can cause stomach acid to enter the airways and lungs,\ntriggering coughing and a painful or burning sensation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>GERD complications to watch out for<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Untreated GERD can lead to a number of complications, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p>Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Asthma that develops in adulthood.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Stomach acid entering the lungs, which can disrupt the\nairways.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Oesophagitis, or inflammation or irritation of the\noesophagus.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Oesophageal stricture, or narrowing of the oesophagus.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Oesophageal ulcers or bleeding.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Barrett\u2019s oesophagus, a change in the cells lining the oesophagus\nthat can increase the risk of cancer.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Oesophageal cancer.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Oesophageal cancer is one of the most serious complications of GERD.\nThe reported five-year survival rate for the cancer is around 20 per\ncent across all stages.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, most people with GERD do not develop oesophageal\ncancer. The condition can generally be managed with appropriate\ntreatment and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How to prevent GERD complications<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Occasional acid reflux usually does not cause complications. To\nreduce recurrences and prevent the condition from becoming more serious,\nthe following steps may help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p>Avoid fatty or spicy foods, and other foods that trigger\nsymptoms.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Eat smaller portions more frequently.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Do not eat shortly before going to bed.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Remain upright for around 45 minutes after eating.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Raise the head of the bed by around 15\u201320 centimetres while\nsleeping.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Avoid clothing that is too tight around the abdomen.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Maintain a healthy weight.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Stop smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Use medication as directed by a doctor.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ailment-affecting-many-indonesians-can-acid-reflux-cause-death-1792558272",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}