What Is Acid Reflux (GERD)?
Acid reflux, also called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), happens when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. This backflow can cause a burning feeling in your chest, known as heartburn. Over time, untreated acid reflux can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to understand what GERD is and why you should not ignore it.
Why Is Treatment Important?
Early treatment of acid reflux (GERD) helps prevent damage to your food pipe. If you leave GERD untreated, it can cause lasting harm. In fact, ongoing acid exposure can lead to several health risks. For this reason, doctors recommend managing symptoms as soon as possible. Treating GERD can also improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of future problems.
Major Complications of Untreated Acid Reflux (GERD)
Untreated acid reflux can cause many complications. Some of these can be serious and long-lasting. Below are the main dangers you should know about:
Esophagitis
Esophagitis means swelling or irritation of the food pipe. When acid keeps coming up, it can hurt the lining. As a result, you may feel pain or have trouble swallowing. If left untreated, esophagitis can get worse and lead to bleeding or ulcers.
Esophageal Strictures
Sometimes, repeated damage from acid causes scars in the food pipe. These scars can make the pipe narrow, which are called strictures. Because of this, food may get stuck or swallowing may become hard. Treatment is needed to open up the narrowed area.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a change in the lining of your food pipe. Over time, acid reflux can cause these changes. This condition raises your risk of getting a type of cancer in the food pipe. Not everyone with GERD will get Barrett’s, but it is a serious risk.
Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Long-term acid reflux can lead to cancer of the food pipe, especially if you have Barrett’s esophagus. Although this cancer is rare, the risk goes up if GERD is not treated. Early treatment of acid reflux can lower this danger.
Respiratory Problems (e.g., asthma, chronic cough)
Acid from the stomach can sometimes reach the lungs. When this happens, it may cause breathing problems. For example, you might develop asthma, a chronic cough, or even pneumonia. In addition, untreated GERD can make existing breathing issues worse.
Dental Erosion
Stomach acid can also harm your teeth. If acid reaches your mouth, it can wear away tooth enamel. Over time, this may lead to tooth pain, cavities, or gum problems. Good dental care and treating acid reflux can help protect your teeth.
How to Recognize Warning Signs
It is important to watch for signs that acid reflux is causing harm. Some warning signs include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. Early action can prevent serious complications.
Prevention and When to Seek Help
There are steps you can take to lower your risk of acid reflux complications. For example, you can:
However, if you have ongoing symptoms or warning signs, do not wait. It is best to talk to a gastroenterologist. They can help you find the right treatment and check for any problems.
According to the CDC and peer-reviewed studies, early treatment of GERD can prevent most complications. Therefore, taking action now can protect your health in the long run.
If you have symptoms of acid reflux, consult a gastroenterologist for personalized advice.