Bile reflux

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Screening and diagnosis

Complications Treatment Self-care

Introduction

You're likely familiar with acid reflux — the backflow of caustic stomach acids into your esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach. Less well known is bile reflux, which occurs when bile — a digestive fluid produced in the liver — flows upward from your small intestine into your stomach and esophagus.

Bile reflux often accompanies acid reflux, and together they're a formidable team, inflaming the lining of your esophagus and potentially increasing your risk of esophageal cancer. Bile reflux also affects your stomach, where it causes further inflammation.

Unlike acid reflux, bile reflux usually can't be completely controlled by changes in diet or lifestyle. Instead, bile reflux is most often managed with medications or, in severe cases, with surgery.

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Signs and symptoms