Aspirin use linked to acid reflux disease

Researchers have found that common over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen are strongly associated with the presence of GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

GERD is an involuntary belching-like "reflux" recently linked to throat cancer. This new data is a red flag for patients who rely heavily on aspirin or ibuprofen -- both in a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- for pain relief.

The results of the study were presented at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting.