Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a form of persistent and severe heartburn that affects between 5 and 7 percent of the population, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. While heartburn is common and occurs weekly in up to 19.8 percent of the population, acid reflux is more serious and can cause complications. It may affect men, women and children, and treatments may involve drug therapy or lifestyle modification.
Esophagitis
One potential complication of acid reflux is esophagitis. When the stomach digests foods, a certain amount of acid gets into the esophagus. However, for people with acid reflux, too much acid gets into the esophagus. When the lining of the esophagus is repeatedly exposed to these high levels of acid, it is unable to handle it. Injury begins to occur, which can cause erosion or ulcers in the esophageal lining. This condition is called esophagitis and may cause bleeding or pain.
Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus can be a complication of patients who have chronic acid reflux. The continual damage to the esophagus can cause abnormal changes in the cells that line the esophagus. These abnormal cells begin to resemble the cells of the small intestine. This condition occurs more often in men then women and generally does not occur until at least middle age. In rare cases (approximately one in 200), Barrett's esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer.
Strictures
Strictures refer to a narrowing or part or all of the esophagus. This occurs when the lining of the esophagus, damaged by acid, becomes scarred. The scarring causes the esophagus to narrow, and food and liquid may be unable to pass through the esophagus to the stomach. This condition is usually treated by using an instrument to dilate or stretch the cervix.
Esophageal Cancer
In rare cases, acid reflux can eventually lead to esophageal cancer. The cancer may be either squamous cell cancer, if it develops in the lining of the upper and middle esophagus, or adrenocarcinoma if it begins in the lower portion of the esophagus. Most acid reflux-related cancers are adrencarcinomas. This cancer generally is asymptomatic until is it quite advanced.
Treatments
Complications from acid reflux can be avoided by taking acid-blocking medication and/or making lifestyle changes that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. This can include avoiding citrus foods, fatty or greasy foods and other highly acidic foods. Because acid reflux is a persistent and chronic condition, lifestyle changes and/or drug therapy may have to be permanent.
