What is the most serious complication of GERD?

If GERD is left untreated, esophagitis can cause bleeding, ulcers, and chronic scarring. This scarring can narrow the esophagus, eventually interfering with your ability to swallow. One major complication which occurs in about 10% to 15% of people with chronic or longstanding GERD is Barrett’s esophagus.

What complications can GERD cause?

Without treatment, GERD can sometimes cause serious complications over time, such as esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus, as well as complications outside the esophagus.

What does severe GERD look like?

The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, or like you are choking or your throat is tight.

What are the organs affected by GERD?

What Is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the ring of muscle between your esophagus and your stomach. This ring is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If you have it, you may get heartburn or acid indigestion.

When does GERD become serious?

When GERD is left untreated, it can trigger inflammation, scarring, or abnormal tissue growth (neoplasia) in your esophagus. As a result, your esophagus can become narrower and tighter. This condition, known as esophageal stricture, often makes it difficult or painful to swallow.

What are the stages of GERD?

GERD is broken down into different stages based on how serious your symptoms are and how often they occur:

  • Stage 1: Mild GERD. Minimal acid reflux occurs once or twice a month.
  • Stage 2: Moderate GERD.
  • Stage 3: Severe GERD.
  • Stage 4: Precancer or cancer.

What happens if GERD goes untreated?

GERD can be a problem if it’s not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

What is Stage 4 GERD?

Stage 4: Esophageal Cancer or Precancerous Lesions Stage 4 GERD represents the most serious consequence of long-term reflux, and approximately 10% of people who have GERD will progress to this stage if their reflux remains uncontrolled over time.

Does GERD cause shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, occurs with GERD because stomach acid that creeps into the esophagus can enter the lungs, particularly during sleep, and cause swelling of the airways.

Can GERD make your back hurt?

Heartburn is another digestive disorder that may cause pain in your back. Symptoms of heartburn caused by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), include a burning sensation in the chest, a sour taste in the mouth, and pain the middle of your back.

How do I know what stage of GERD I have?

Stage 1 (mild): A person has infrequent heartburn and regurgitation happening once or less each week. Stage 2 (moderate): A person has regurgitation or heartburn occurring a few times a week. Stage 3 (severe): A person has regular heartburn, a chronic cough, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, and regurgitation of food.

What happens if GERD is severe?