Health Complications of GERD Palmyra Surgical Reflux Surgery

health Complications of GERD in Macon, Georgia

If left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause chronic acid reflux, exposing the esophagus and other structures in the throat and upper airway to corrosive stomach fluids. Over time, this can result in tissue damage and medical complications of GERD.
For most people, acid reflux and heartburn do not cause serious complications and are merely an occasional source of discomfort. However, in those with GERD who experience these symptoms more frequently, stomach acid can cause more serious health problems as it moves into and past the esophagus.

How GERD Damages the Body

When refluxed liquid enters the esophagus, it can burn the cells lining the esophagus. The body responds with inflammation, or esophagitis, which is a part of the body’s natural healing process.
As acid exposure and inflammation continue, a break in the esophageal tissue can occur, leading to bleeding and open sores called ulcers. When these ulcers heal and form scars, this scar tissue can shrink the passageway through the esophagus. This narrowed area is a complications of GERD and is called a stricture and can cause difficulty swallowing.
Acid reflux can also stimulate the nerves in the lower esophagus, causing chronic coughing and asthma attacks. Approximately 80 percent of cases of adult onset asthma are recognized as reflux-oriented.
If GERD is severe or persists for several years, acid exposure can cause abnormal changes in the cells lining the esophagus. As normal cells are replaced with cells that resemble those in the intestines or stomach, a condition called Barrett’s esophagus develops, which is associated with a slight increase in the risk of esophageal cancer.
If refluxed liquids move past the esophagus, they can begin to cause damage in other structures, resulting in complications like:

Throat and Larynx Inflammation are Complications of GERD

When refluxed liquid passes through the barrier at the top of the esophagus, it can move into the throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx). This can result in inflammation that causes sore throat and hoarseness.

Lung Infections and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Once refluxed liquid passes the larynx, it can enter the lungs, which can result in lung infections and pneumonia. Eventually, contact with this corrosive liquid may lead to pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs that leads to progressively worse shortness of breath.

Tooth Damage Can be Complications of GERD

When refluxed stomach acid reaches the mouth, it can wear down tooth enamel. This can result in significant damage to your teeth over time.
If you believe you may be experiencing any of the complications above, it is important to seek medical treatment. Treatment for GERD can control acid reflux to reduce your risk of complications and prevent further damage.

From the Palmyra Surgical Blog

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For someone with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eating certain foods can cause extreme acid reflux and heartburn. Learn how to cook without the heartburn with these healthy tips.
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Smoking: A Culprit in the World of Reflux
In the past two decades, a lot of research has come out about tobacco use—and the news hasn’t been good for tobacco companies. Whereas once smoking appeared to be a harmless pastime, something that just about everyone did, inside and outdoors, that isn’t the game anymore. Tobacco use continues to decline across the United States, but there are still a lot of people out there who smoke at least somewhat regularly. By the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease and Control, about 18% of US adults use tobacco products in some form or another.
For Acid Reflux, Put the Soda Down
Soda is hands-down one of the most popular drinks in the United States. This can be proven on the number of sales alone. Based on national sale data, there is enough soda sold annually for every adult to drink a full 45 gallons of soda per year. There are aquariums sold that are smaller than that! But when you stop and think about it, there is really no wonder as to why soda is such a major drink in our diets. The beverage is filled with sugar, and most of our favorite sodas pack enough caffeine to help us power through a busy afternoon at work.
Acid Reflux More Common than Ever
Americans are dealing with more health problems now than they ever had in the past. This is based on statistical data that finds that chronic diseases are pretty much on the rise across the board. One of the biggest causes of this startling rise in health problems is obesity, which directly affects more than one-third of the US adult population, with another third being overweight and at risk.