Acid Reflux Damage – The Facts
Is heartburn or acid reflux dangerous? In fact acid reflux symptoms can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It is a more serious form of acid reflux. A person has GERD when persistent acid reflux that occurs more than two times per week.
What Can Happen to Untreated Acid Reflux?
If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to nasty health conditions. Majority of people with untreated GERD will not develop life threatening conditions; however a probability for serious health risks still exists.
Below are the most common health complications of untreated acid reflux.
Esophagitis occurs when stomach acids flow back to esophagus and damage the lining of esophagus causing bleeding or ulcers.
Scars in esophagus can develop into strictures and narrow esophagus. It makes swallowing more difficult. Strictures may cause food to get stuck in the esophagus.
When cells in the lining of esophagus form abnormal shape people might develop Barrett’s esophagus. In rare cases that condition may lead to esophageal cancer.
Lung and throat problems. Sometimes stomach acid flushing back in the throat might cause inflammation of the vocal cords, laryngitis and hoarseness. If the acid is inhaled into the lungs, it may cause certain type of pneumonia or even asthma. In rare cases chronic acid reflux into the lungs may in time lead to permanent lung damage, or pulmonary fibrosis (also bronchiectasis).
The best way to avoid risks of acid reflux damage to your health is to address the root cause of this condition first of all. The safest and most effective method to get permanent relief from acid reflux is given in Heartburn No More system.
