Understanding Acid Reflux: Complications and Management

Acid reflux disease happens when stomach acids go back up the esophagus and mouth instead of staying in the stomach. This disease gets worse over time if not treated, so you need to see your doctor if you have heartburn more than two times a week for two weeks. If acid reflux disease is ignored, it can cause a lot of complications.

Sleep Complications

• Sleep becomes very difficult with the pain of heartburn. Lack of sleep over time brings on headaches, difficulty concentrating and trouble making decisions.

Difficulty Swallowing

• Swallowing becomes painful, and you have to swallow smaller sizes of food. This is because the esophgagus has narrowed.

GERD

• If not treated, acid reflux becomes gastroesophagal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to heartburn, there is trouble breathing, chest pain and coughing.

Cancer

• If GERD isn't treated, then a patient is more likely to come down with cancer of the larynx or espohagus.

Esophagitis

• With all of the stomach acid staying in the esophagus, eventually the sensitive lining burns, causing ulcers and bleeding. This can show up as black, tarry stools or blood when coughing.