Ailment Affecting Many Indonesians: Can Acid Reflux Cause Death?

A video of a woman in Ponorogo, East Java, who suddenly died while on a motorbike has gone viral on social media. She was thought to have become weak because of a stomach ailment. Can acid reflux and GERD really cause sudden death?

Stomach pain and an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest caused by acid reflux are familiar to many people. Occasional acid reflux is generally harmless. But if it continues, the condition can develop into gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which carries a risk of various health complications.

GERD occurs when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, potentially causing heartburn, nausea and inflammation of the oesophagus, known as oesophagitis.

Can GERD be life-threatening?

Occasional acid reflux is generally not life-threatening. However, chronic reflux, or GERD, can cause serious complications if it is not treated properly.

One common concern is the risk of choking and dying in one’s sleep because of acid reflux. Although there have been no reports of anyone dying in their sleep from choking due to acid reflux or GERD, the condition should still be taken seriously.

GERD can cause stomach acid to enter the airways and lungs, triggering coughing and a painful or burning sensation.

GERD complications to watch out for

Untreated GERD can lead to a number of complications, including:

• Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses.

• Asthma that develops in adulthood.

• Stomach acid entering the lungs, which can disrupt the airways.

• Oesophagitis, or inflammation or irritation of the oesophagus.

• Oesophageal stricture, or narrowing of the oesophagus.

• Oesophageal ulcers or bleeding.

• Barrett’s oesophagus, a change in the cells lining the oesophagus that can increase the risk of cancer.

• Oesophageal cancer.

Oesophageal cancer is one of the most serious complications of GERD. The reported five-year survival rate for the cancer is around 20 per cent across all stages.

Nevertheless, most people with GERD do not develop oesophageal cancer. The condition can generally be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

How to prevent GERD complications

Occasional acid reflux usually does not cause complications. To reduce recurrences and prevent the condition from becoming more serious, the following steps may help:

• Avoid fatty or spicy foods, and other foods that trigger symptoms.

• Eat smaller portions more frequently.

• Do not eat shortly before going to bed.

• Remain upright for around 45 minutes after eating.

• Raise the head of the bed by around 15–20 centimetres while sleeping.

• Avoid clothing that is too tight around the abdomen.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Stop smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.

• Use medication as directed by a doctor.