Long-Term Effects of Untreated Acid Reflux Disease

What is Acid Reflux Disease?
Acid Reflux Disease, also know as Gastroesophageal (or gastrointestinal) Reflux Disease, is a serious condition in which liquid content from the stomach and intestines are refluxed, or backed up, into the esophagus causing inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. The liquid that is backed up is usually acidic and contains an enzyme, called pepsin, which is produced by the stomach for digestion purposes. It can also consist of bile that has been regurgitated from the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that is produced by the liver and collected in the gallbladder. Acid Reflux Disease is painful and can be the foundation for long-term damage if it is not treated efficiently. Acid Reflux can be caused if the sphincter in the lower part of the esophagus is not working correctly or not working at all. Weight issues, such as obesity, or breathing problems like asthma, can also worsen it.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease?
Most patients describe the pain of Acid Reflux Disease as heartburn. It is usually frequent and persistent, causing a burning sensation in the chest and especially in the lower part of the chest area. Many also describe a bitter or sour taste in the mouth and a feeling of being bloated or having gas. Acid Reflux is usually worse at night when a person is lying down. Acids and bile are more likely to be pushed up because there is no gravity to stop the reflux. During the day a person is normally in an upright position and acid that comes up can travel back down. This problem can be remedied by elevating the upper part of the body when you are sleeping at night. Using extra pillows to keep your head up at an angle can help you to remain in a more upright position. Symptoms can also be worse first thing in the morning after rising from a prone like position and a burning in the throat can cause coughing and wheezing.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Acid Reflux Disease?
Two of the most common long-term effects of Acid Reflux Disease are ulcers and a condition known as Barrett's Esophagus.

Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which the cells of the esophagus go from being normal to becoming pre-cancerous. The tissue that normally lines the esophagus is replaced with tissue that is similar to that which is found in the intestines after repeated exposure to acids from the stomach and bile from the gallbladder. There are no known physical signs or symptoms linked to Barrett's Esophagus but it is common in those who suffer from Acid Reflux Disease. A small percentage of these people are prone to developing a rare, but deadly, type of cancer of the esophagus.

Ulcers can develop in the lining of the esophagus after repeated exposure to acid as well. This condition is often known as esophagitis. It can be very painful and can cause difficulty when swallowing. Peptic or gastric ulcers can grow in the lining of the stomach and cause severe abdominal pain. Peptic ulcers create holes in the lining of the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) or in the stomach. These are treatable with antibiotics and over-the-counter medications such as antacids and other drugs that decrease the production of stomach acid.

Sources

Minocha, Anil. How to Stop Heartburn: Simple Ways to Heal Heartburn and Acid Reflux. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 1 Edition, 2001.

Miskovitz, Paul. The Doctor's Guide to Gastrointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Colon... Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis, Hernias and More. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 1 Edition, 2005.