Long-term Complications of GERD

If frequent heartburn is left uncontrolled, it can cause serious problems. There are three major complications associated with GERD, esophagitis- inflammation of the esophagus, esophageal strictures or narrowing of the esophagus, and Barrett’s esophagus- damage to the lower part of the esophagus that connects the mouth and the stomach (Johns Hopkins medicine Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2001). Over exposure of the esophagus with food content or regurgitating acids can cause esophageal cancer.

Esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus is caused when stomach acid repeatedly comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus. This repeated contact with stomach acids can cause the lining to erode or develop ulcers. Esophagitis can also lead to worsening symptoms of heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, or bleeding. Avoiding foods and liquid that lead to increase in reflux, taking medication, losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding lying down after eating are all measures to help lessen symptoms or avoid recurring problems. See treatment options for more information on lifestyle and dietary changes associated with GERD. (Cleveland Clinic, 1995)

Esophageal strictures as defined by to the Department of surgery of Keck school of USC, is the persistent narrowing of the esophagus caused by reflux-induced inflammation and scarring. According to John Hopkins medicine, “Strictures occur in patients who have had relatively severe esophagitis.” "These strictures can interfere with eating and drinking by preventing food and liquid from reaching the stomach (Cleveland Clinic, 1995)" To exam for esophageal strictures you can get an upper GI series, refer back to Diagnosis for GERD, or undergo an endoscopy. Some treatment options for esophageal strictures include dilating the esophagus, "in which an instrument gently stretches and expands the opening in the esophagus (Cleveland Clinic, 1995)."

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition resulting from the abnormal healing of erosive esophagitis. This condition usually develops in some people who experience long-term GERD. Developing Barrett’s esophagus can put you at risk for cancer of the esophagus. The abnormal changes in the lining of the esophagus cells can cause pre- cancerous lesion to occur in the esophagus due to GERD. Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed with an upper endoscopy; many experts recommend checking for Barrett’s esophagus in people who have had more than 10 years of heartburn. Drug therapy is usually advised to prevent further damage by stopping acid reflux from the stomach. Refer back to treatment options if necessary. (Cleveland Clinic, 1995)

Esophageal cancer is cancer in the esophagus. Having chronic Barrett’s esophagus can lead to adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that develops in the lower part of the esophagus. Another form of cancer that can develop is squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the upper and middle part of the esophagus. Some risk factors that put you at risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma are smoking and heavy alcohol use. During the early stages of esophageal cancer, no symptoms are present. Difficulty swallowing is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. As the cancer develops, it causes the opening of the esophagus to narrow, making it difficult and painful to swallow. (Cleveland Clinic, 1995)

Reference (APA Citation without URL):

Cleveland Clinic. (1995). Long-term heartburn & GERD complications. Retrieved November 22, 2016.

Johns Hopkins medicine Gastroenterology & Hepatology. (2001). Gastroesophageal Reflux disease: Introduction. Retrieved November 22, 2016.

Keck School of Medicine of USC. Signs and symptoms of GERD acid Reflux - Los Angeles. Retrieved November 22, 2016.