Popping antacids every day? Apollo doctor warns your ‘normal acidity’ may be a slow-burning disease leading to much serious issues

A daily cycle of heartburn, gas, and throat irritation may seem routine for many Indians who rely on antacids as casually as after-meal mints. But according to a recent public advisory by Surgical Gastroenterology Specialist Dr Anshuman Kaushal from Delhi’s Apollo Hospital, those everyday sensations may be the early signs of a dangerous and progressive disease silently damaging the food pipe from within.

Dr Kaushal, popularly known as @theangry_doc on Instagram, issued the stark warning in a video explaining the seriousness of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The video was titled “If Your Acidity Comes Back Every Day… It’s Not Acidity. It’s a Disease. GERD: The Slow Fire That Burns You From the Inside.”

It has sparked conversation online, particularly because the doctor describes GERD as a potential pathway to a cancer-linked condition if ignored for too long.

A Daily Fire That Burns From the Inside

In the video, Dr Kaushal stresses that calling chronic heartburn “normal acidity” is a dangerous misconception. Quoting from the report shared in his video, he says that symptoms such as “gas, burning, regurgitation” showing up regularly are not routine discomfort but signals of GERD, a condition where stomach acid rises up and “quietly destroys your food pipe.”

According to the doctor, GERD develops when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), the valve that prevents acid from flowing upward, becomes weak. He lists obesity, oily food, late-night meals, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, stress, and a loose LES as the primary triggers.

Silent Damage With Serious Consequences

Describing the dangers, Dr Kaushal warns that long-term untreated GERD can lead to ulcers, chronic coughing, asthma-like symptoms, and Barrett’s esophagus, which he calls “the direct cousin of cancer.”

He highlights commonly ignored red-flag symptoms such as:

• Burning sensation in the chest
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Night-time coughing
• Frequent throat clearing
• Voice changes
• Burping after meals

The warning is stark: “If acidity is happening daily, then it’s not lifestyle, it’s pathology.”

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A post shared by Dr Anshuman Kaushal MD FACS (@theangry_doc)

Diagnosis and Treatment

To detect the seriousness of the condition, he recommends:

• Upper GI endoscopy
• pH metric acid study and pressure study of the food pipe
• Ultrasound of the stomach

While mild cases can improve with lifestyle changes such as avoiding late-night dinners, raising the head while sleeping, quitting nicotine, and reducing caffeine and oily meals, Dr Kaushal notes that severe or long-term cases often require surgical intervention such as laparoscopic or robotic fundoplication, which tightens the valve and stops acid reflux.

Closing the advisory, he cautions that ignoring persistent acidity is like allowing repeated internal injury. Quoting his video caption, he calls GERD “the slow fire that burns you from the inside.”

“Repeated burning means repeated injury. And the bill for every injury includes the body’s interest.”

Why This Matters

In a country where self-medication is common and antacids are used casually, Dr Kaushal’s message calls for urgent awareness. When ignored, everyday acidity may not be just an irritation but a warning sign of irreversible damage. For many, this may be the moment to stop treating heartburn like a routine inconvenience and start treating it like the potential disease it is.

Dr Kaushal is a senior Minimal Access and Surgical Gastroenterology Specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, with over 24 years of experience. He is known for advanced robotic and laparoscopic procedures in bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal disorders, and minimally invasive treatments.