5 Complications May Be Caused By Long-Term GERD

5 COMPLICATIONS MAY BE CAUSED BY LONG TERM GERD

If you leave gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) uncontrolled and untreated for a long period of time, it can result in serious health complications and problems.

Here is a list of five such complications caused by long-term GERD:

Esophagitis: When you are suffering from GERD, the stomach acid consistently comes into contact with the esophagus lining that can cause injury (such as ulcers or erosion). This leads to chest pain, bleeding, heartburn, and swallowing difficulty.
Barrett's esophagus: A rare condition that is found in approximately 10% of all people that have long-term GERD. It is a complication that may directly lead to adenocarcinoma (a type of esophagus cancer) that can be fatal if not examined and treated properly.
Strictures: The damage caused to the esophagus lining can lead to strictures that interfere with drinking and eating (because they prevent food and liquid from passing on to the stomach). Though strictures can be treated through dilation, they can lead to weakness, weight loss, and heartburn.
Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of cancer that develops because of GERD in the squamous cells that are found on the lining of the esophagus. Smoking and use of alcohol increase the chances of this form of cancer.

LONG TERM GERD

Anemia: A common long-term issue associated with GERD is the bleeding of the esophagus. The continuous loss of blood from the esophagus may lead to anemia that can cause weariness and pallor.

Here is a list of symptoms that are caused by long-term GERD: