Four Major Complications of Acid Reflux

Many people ignore the symptoms of acid reflux. They develop the habit of chewing antacids after meals, and don't think about it until the next bout of heartburn begins. Ignoring frequent acid reflux can lead to four major health complications. These four complications are esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis and esophageal strictures.

The lining of the esophagus becomes irritated from stomach acid splashing on it. Each time this happens, new tissue must grow to cover the damaged tissue. After repeated irritation, the cells of this tissue begin to change, and have pre-cancerous tendencies. If no treatment is started, a tumor can begin to grow in the lining of the esophagus. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, food being stuck in the esophagus, weight loss, and vomiting of blood. Left untreated the tumor will eventually block the esophagus, so no food or liquid can pass into the stomach. It can also grow through the walls of the esophagus and into other parts of the body. The treatment for this type of cancer depends on how advanced it is when the doctor diagnoses it, and if it has spread to other organs.

Another frequent complication of untreated acid reflux is Barrett's esophagus. This condition results in changes in the type of tissue that lines the esophagus. These tissue changes can lead to a rare type of cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma. This condition is generally found in people sixty years old and over, and it is extremely difficult to diagnose.

Esophagitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the lining of the esophagus. As the stomach acid splashes up and onto the lining of the esophagus, the irritation causes this swelling and inflammation. If not treated, difficultly swallowing, and esophageal ulcers will develop. Occasionally, these ulcers will become so severe that they begin to bleed. At that point, immediate medical attention is needed to stop the bleeding. Once this condition is diagnosed, it is easily treated with medications to reduce the acid reflux, and antibiotics if an infection is present.

The last major complication of acid reflux is esophageal strictures. This is a narrowing of the esophagus, caused by a build up of scar tissue. This condition leads to difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, as well as weight loss. There is a variety of treatments for esophageal strictures, such as stretching the esophagus, or surgery.

If you frequently suffer from acid reflux, or take antacids more that three times each week for heartburn, it is time to see your health professional. Ignoring your symptoms can be hazardous to your health.

Gerri Stone publishes information to help you find relief from acid reflux at http://www.StomachSolutions.com.