8 Complications Of Acid Reflux - 1
Nearly everyone has an attack of heartburn at some point in their lives. In the vast majority of cases the condition is temporary and mild causing only transient discomfort. If patients develop persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease with frequent relapses, however, and it remains untreated, serious complications may develop over time. They can include the following :
1. Erosive Esophagitis (Severe Inflammation In The Esophagus)
Erosive esophagitis develops in chronic GERD patients when acid causes sufficient irritation and inflammation to produce extensive and injures the esophagus. Some studies have suggested that overweight Caucasian males with GERD are at highest risk for this condition. In anyone, the longer and more severe the GERD condition, the higher the risk for erosive esophagitis.
Bleeding
In one study, bleeding occurred in over 8% of patients with erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation of the esophagus), which is associated with GERD. In very severe cases, the patient may detect dark-colored, tarry stools (indicating the presence of blood) or vomit blood, particularly if ulcers have developed in the esophagus.
This is a sign of severe damage and requires immediate attention. Sometimes long-term bleeding can result in iron deficiency anemia and may sometimes even require emergency transfusions. This condition can occur without heartburn or other warning symptoms, or even obvious blood in the stools.
2. Severe Narrowing (Stricture) Of The Esophagus
If the esophagus becomes severely injured over time, narrowed regions called strictures can develop, which may impair swallowing (dysphagia). Food may even become blocked in some cases. Stretching procedures or surgery may be required to restore normal swallowing. Paradoxically, strictures may actually prevent other GERD symptoms by helping to keep acid from traveling up the esophagus.
3. Barrett's Esophagus
In some cases, BE develops as an advanced stage of erosive esophagitis. BE results in abnormal cellular changes in the esophagus that, in turn, puts a patient at risk for esophageal cancer. There are many issues involved with BE, however, including its prevalence and true severity that are unresolved. Of note, GERD itself poses no significant risk for esophageal cancer. One study reported an annual incidence of 6.5 cancer cases per 10,000 people with regular GERD symptoms.