Acid reflux or heartburn is a condition characterized by the back flow of stomach acids and food through the lower esophageal sphincter and up the esophagus, causing burning pain and other related symptoms. The Mayo Clinic says that if reflux is allowed to go unchecked for a long period or persists in spite of treatment with any number of medicines or remedies, long-term complications can occur and lead to serious health problems.
GERD
Early complications of acid reflux result in gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This develops as a result of long-term acid reflux, with persistent regurgitation from the stomach into the esophagus and medications no longer being able to manage symptoms, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information clearinghouse (NDDIC).
Dry Cough, Sore Throat and Asthma
The NDDIC says you may also develop complications consisting of a dry cough, shortness of breath, a chronic sore throat and asthma as a result of continued, unmanaged GERD.
Erosive Esophagitis
In long-term cases of acid reflux, complications may develop to cause scarring or strictures in the esophagus, narrowing it and making it difficult to swallow, says the Life Extension website. Surgery is sometimes needed to stretch the esophagus and allow easier swallowing.
Ulcers
The Acid Reflux Connection website says cases of esophagitis can develop into ulceration of the esophagus. This causes bleeding in some cases, as well as sometimes causing the patient to vomit blood or see black, tarry colored stools indicating the presence of blood.
Iron Deficiency and Anemia
The Acid Reflux Connection website says long-term cases of acid reflux with accompanying esophagitis can lead to anemia and iron deficiency due to a loss of blood.
Barrett's Esophagus
If left untreated, acid reflux or GERD can progress to a condition called Barrett's esophagus in which the cellular structure in the esophagus changes, the Life Extension website says. The site says changes in the structure of the esophagus are the body's way of protecting the esophagus but are also considered a precursor for esophageal cancer.
Esophageal Cancer
Life Extension.org describes two kinds of cancer of the esophagus: squamous cell and adencarcinoma. Only adencarcinoma is considered a complication of long-term GERD. It affects the lower portion of the esophagus and is the result of repeated exposure to acids due to persistent reflux over a very long period.
