What Are The Complications of Acid Reflux?
Only about 20 percent of patient seen by primary care doctors have a complicated from of acid reflux disease, such as erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, or Barrett’s esophagus (a premalignant condition where is a change in the membrane cells).
Even if you currently have milder symptom of acid reflux, complications could be waiting for you down the road especially if your acid reflux isn’t being treated. Overall, about 20 percent of patient with acid reflux go on to develop complications such as:
- Esophagus stricture (4-20 percent) - a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus.
- Ulceration (2-7 percent)
- Hemorrhage or bleeding (more than 2 percent)
- Barrett’s esophagus (10-15 percent) - a percancer change in the lining of the esophagus.
If you have the following symptoms, serious damage may have already occurred and immediate medical attention is required:
Dysphasia: Difficulty swallowing or a feeling that food is trapped behind the breastbone. (Almost half of acid reflux patients report having trouble swallowing).
Bleeding: Vomiting blood or having tarry, black bowel movements (this may occur if ulcers have developed in the esophagus).
Choking: The sensation of acid refluxed into the windpipe causing shortness of breath, coughing, or hoarseness of the voice.
Weight loss.
Barrett’s esophagus. The lining of the esophagus basically changes to resemble the lining of the intestine (due to chronic and constant exposure to stomach acid). This is actually the body’s way of trying to protect the esophagus from acid by replacing its normal lining cells with cells similar to the intestinal lining. Although patients often say their heartburn has actually improved with Barrett’s esophagus, it is a per-cancerous condition carrying with it a 30 fold increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
More informations Discover The Real Reasons Why You Get Heartburn and Cure It Without Any Drugs.
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