Acid Reflux Complications

Putting up with or ignoring the symptoms of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease is unwise. Untreated, GERD can lead to complications ranging from growing discomfort and pain to ulcers and more serious complications like esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, precancerous cell changes, and even esophageal cancer.

Lifestyle Disruption

Sleep

Some acid reflux sufferers experience symptoms primarily at night, which can keep them from getting enough sleep to function properly during the day. This is especially common in those who have GERD.

Physical activity

Bending over or engaging in vigorous exercise shortly after eating can worsen acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn. Instead, perform gentle exercises, such as walking or riding a bike, so you can stay active without exacerbating your symptoms.

Narrowing of the Esophagus (esophageal stricture)

Narrowing of the esophagus can be caused by GERD. Acid can damage cells in the esophagus, causing scar tissue to form, which in turn narrows the pathway, causing pain and difficulty swallowing. This can lead to sufferers not getting enough fluids and nutrients. There are other causes of esophageal stricture than GERD including, sometimes, the use of some osteoporosis medications or antibiotics, or enlarged veins in the esophagus. A procedure that dilates the esophagus can help however repeated treatments are often needed to adequately stretch the esophagus.

Learn more about esophageal stricture. 

Esophageal Ulcers

Open sores in the esophagus are caused by stomach acid washing up against and eroding the delicate tissues of the esophagus. Esophageal ulcers may bleed and may make swallowing difficult and can cause pain.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a serious condition in which changes take place to the lining of the esophagus with no outward signs or symptoms. The condition is most often found in people with GERD—it commonly occurs due to repeated exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. The condition is diagnosed with an upper GI endoscopy and biopsy.  Barrett’s esophagus affects about one percent of adults in the United States. It is twice as common in men, and the average age at diagnosis is 50. A diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus means that there is an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Nevertheless, only a small number of people with the condition go on to develop cancer. 

Visit the Barrett's Esophagus Learning Center to get more in-depth information on the condition.