Why More Young Professionals Are Ignoring Acid Reflux Symptoms And Why Doctors Say That’s Dangerous

ViMUT Hospital warns that untreated acid reflux and gastritis could lead to chronic digestive diseases and even increase cancer risks

Late-night meals after work, endless coffee runs, irregular eating schedules, stress, and poor sleep have quietly become part of modern working life. But according to specialists at ViMUT Hospital, these everyday habits may also be putting more working adults at risk of chronic upper gastrointestinal diseases.

Many people dismiss symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, stomach pain, or heartburn as temporary discomfort. However, doctors warn that when these conditions become chronic and untreated, they can develop into more serious digestive complications, including inflammation, ulcers, and even certain cancers.

Dr. Sawinee Jiriyasin, a gastroenterology and hepatology specialist at ViMUT Hospital

How does modern work culture affect digestive health?

According to Dr. Sawinee Jiriyasin, a gastroenterology and hepatology specialist at ViMUT Hospital, the digestive system operates according to the body’s biological clock. This internal rhythm regulates stomach acid production, digestion, and stomach contractions.

But many common modern lifestyle habits disrupt that rhythm:

• Shift work

• Sleeping late

• Skipping meals

• Eating at irregular times

• Late-night dining

• Chronic stress

• Lack of sleep

When eating patterns become inconsistent, food can remain in the stomach longer than normal, increasing bloating, fullness, and the likelihood of acid reflux. Lying down immediately after meals further increases the chance of stomach acid traveling back into the esophagus.

Over time, this repeated irritation can lead to chronic inflammation of the esophagus or stomach lining.

What is the difference between acid reflux and gastritis?

Although acid reflux and gastritis are both upper digestive tract conditions, they are caused by different mechanisms and require different treatment approaches.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, often causing:

• Heartburn

• Sour burps

• A bitter taste in the throat

• Chest discomfort

It is commonly triggered by late-night meals, lying down after eating, excess weight, and insufficient rest.

Gastritis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the stomach lining and may be linked to:

• H. pylori bacterial infection

• Long-term use of NSAID painkillers

• Irregular eating habits

• Chronic stress

Symptoms often include stomach pain, upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, and feeling full quickly after eating.

Can untreated acid reflux become dangerous?

Doctors say the real concern is not occasional symptoms, but long-term inflammation left untreated.

Chronic acid reflux may eventually lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Meanwhile, untreated gastritis or stomach ulcers linked to H. pylori infection may increase the risk of stomach cancer over time.

Dr. Sawinee notes that many upper gastrointestinal diseases begin with symptoms people often overlook, such as:

• Persistent heartburn

• Frequent burping

• Upper abdominal pain

• Bloating

• Ongoing stomach discomfort

However, more serious warning signs require immediate medical attention, including:

• Vomiting blood

• Black stools

• Difficulty swallowing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or anemia

• Persistent abdominal pain

The risks may be especially important for people over 50 or those with a family history of gastrointestinal cancer.

When should you get screened?

One of the most important diagnostic tools for upper digestive diseases is gastroscopy, or upper endoscopy.

The procedure allows doctors to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine for conditions including:

• Acid reflux disease

• Esophagitis

• Gastritis

• Stomach ulcers

• H. pylori infection

Additional tests may also be recommended depending on symptoms, including:

• Barium swallow X-rays

• 24-hour acid reflux monitoring

• Esophageal motility testing for swallowing difficulties

Why prevention matters more than ever

As digestive disorders become increasingly common among working adults, doctors emphasize that prevention and early screening remain critical.

Reducing risky lifestyle habits, prioritizing regular meals and sleep, managing stress, and seeking medical evaluation early can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Dr. Sawinee encourages people not to wait until symptoms become severe before seeing a doctor, noting that early detection allows for more effective treatment planning and better long-term health outcomes.

For those seeking medical advice or follow-up consultations, ViMUT Hospital also offers the ViMUT Application, which allows patients to book appointments, access telemedicine consultations, and manage follow-up care remotely without needing to visit the hospital in person.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of ViMUT Hospital]