Chronic GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can cause serious complications, especially if left untreated.
GERD is a digestive condition that is more serious than the common gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER, also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, occurs when the lower esophageal reflux sphincter (LES) spontaneously opens or does not close properly as they should. This results in stomach contents including acids to rise up into the esophagus causing symptom of burning-pain in the chest or heartburn.
GERD Complications
Stomach acids that rise up to the esophagus can cause it to become inflamed. In addition, it can damage the inner lining of the esophagus and can result in bleeding or ulcers. The inflammation of the esophagus is known as esophagitis. Scars can form from the damaged tissues and may lead to narrowing of the esophageal passage (strictures), which can make swallowing difficult.
Another complication of GERD is Barrett's esophagus. This occurs when the cells in the lining of the esophagus change into abnormal shape and color. This can, over time, lead to the development of esophageal cancer, a serious form of cancer.
It is important that you let your doctor monitor your condition if you have GERD, especially if it becomes chronic. This way, your doctor can recommend appropriate treatments when necessary.
Previous studies have shown that gastroesophageal reflux disease may worsen or contribute to asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis.
For more information about Barrett's esophagus, see the Digestive System Disorders (DSD) Barrett's Esophagus fact sheet.
Learn more about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Source:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Available from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm. Accessed on September 29, 2010.
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GERD is a digestive condition that is more serious than the common gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER, also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, occurs when the lower esophageal reflux sphincter (LES) spontaneously opens or does not close properly as they should. This results in stomach contents including acids to rise up into the esophagus causing symptom of burning-pain in the chest or heartburn.
GERD Complications
Stomach acids that rise up to the esophagus can cause it to become inflamed. In addition, it can damage the inner lining of the esophagus and can result in bleeding or ulcers. The inflammation of the esophagus is known as esophagitis. Scars can form from the damaged tissues and may lead to narrowing of the esophageal passage (strictures), which can make swallowing difficult.
Another complication of GERD is Barrett's esophagus. This occurs when the cells in the lining of the esophagus change into abnormal shape and color. This can, over time, lead to the development of esophageal cancer, a serious form of cancer.
It is important that you let your doctor monitor your condition if you have GERD, especially if it becomes chronic. This way, your doctor can recommend appropriate treatments when necessary.
Previous studies have shown that gastroesophageal reflux disease may worsen or contribute to asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis.
For more information about Barrett's esophagus, see the Digestive System Disorders (DSD) Barrett's Esophagus fact sheet.
Learn more about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Source:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Available from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm. Accessed on September 29, 2010.
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