Acid reflux disease increases the risk of a deadly throat cancer which is known as oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The reasons for its growing incidence are unclear, but experts speculate diet, obesity and even some heartburn drugs may be partly to blame.
However, new research may offer a drug-free acid reflux treatment. A team led by Dr Richard Holloway of the Royal Adelaide Hospital inflated a balloon to mimic the effects of a meal in the stomachs of 14 people. Then they used a type of acupuncture on a spot of the body known for its connection to gastrointestinal problems – the wrist.
The subjects had 40 per cent less unwanted events that allow acid to seep into the oesophagus. Further research is underway.
