Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a common, periodic occurrence for many people, and is often experienced after eating an oversized meal or a meal rich in spicy or fatty foods. If reflux symptoms appear regularly and for more than two weeks, a medical practitioner should be consulted, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Chronic, long-term reflux, if left unchecked, can lead to serious complications and life-threatening diseases.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the first complication noticed by those with acid reflux whose symptoms may become persistent. The symptom picture involves long-term acid reflux, which has begun to produce concomitant symptoms that are no longer manageable with over-the-counter medications, according to the NDDIC. Complications of GERD can appear as adult asthma and you may experience other complications such as shortness of breath, a dry cough and chronic sore throats.
Erosive Esophagitis
Strictures or scarring may develop in the esophagus, narrowing it and making swallowing difficult, reports LifeExtension.org. Surgery may be needed to repair the damage and widen or stretch the esophagus to make swallowing easier.
Ulcers
Esophagitis may develop into esophageal ulcers, according to the Acid Reflux Connection website, resulting in bleeding. Vomiting blood or finding blood in the stool is possible with these ulcers if there is a great deal of bleeding. You may develop anemia and an iron deficiency as a result of losing blood from bleeding ulcers in the esophagus, reports the Acid Reflux Connection website.
Barrett's Esophagus and Cancer
GERD can progress, if left untreated, to a condition called Barrett's esophagus, the Life Extension website reports. The structure of the cells in the esophageal lining change, making the esophagus prone to the development of esophageal cancer. Adenocarcinoma is one of two forms of cancer that develop in the esophagus, and is considered a complication of long-term acid reflux, reports Life Extension.org. The lower third of the esophagus is at risk for this cancer.
