“What are the potential complications of chronic heartburn?”
I have chronic heartburn. What are the potential complications if it goes untreated for a long time?
3 Answers
DoctorGastroenterologist
Acid reflux can damage the esophagus causing erosions, ulcers or strictures in severe cases.
A mucosal change can also occur in the distal esophagus. This is called Barretts mucosa and it is a pre-cancerous lesion. so the worse possible complication from heartburn is esophageal cancer that can develop in the setting of Barretts.
A mucosal change can also occur in the distal esophagus. This is called Barretts mucosa and it is a pre-cancerous lesion. so the worse possible complication from heartburn is esophageal cancer that can develop in the setting of Barretts.
Depending on the severity of the heart burn and some nutritional factors there are a few potential complications. You could possibly develop ulceration of the stomach, small intestine, and esophagus which are spots in the lining of those areas where the stomach acid erodes through the tissue, often causing bleeding and discomfort. This disorder can potentially manifest in the form on gastric pain, red vomit, or black feces.
Another possible complication is Barrett's Esophagus, which is when the cells of your throat essentially mutate into cells similar to those in your stomach in an attempt to stop the extra stomach acid from further damaging the tissue of the esophagus. Developing this disorder puts you at higher risk of esophageal cancer. The most severe possible complication is a GI hemorrhage, that is when the ulcers in the lining become so large that there is an uncontrolled bleed, this is a medical emergency. If you vomit blood, or have multiple black or dark red bowel movements in a row, you should see a doctor. If you experience either of those symptoms and feel dizzy, fatigued, or lightheaded, you should go to the emergency room.
Another possible complication is Barrett's Esophagus, which is when the cells of your throat essentially mutate into cells similar to those in your stomach in an attempt to stop the extra stomach acid from further damaging the tissue of the esophagus. Developing this disorder puts you at higher risk of esophageal cancer. The most severe possible complication is a GI hemorrhage, that is when the ulcers in the lining become so large that there is an uncontrolled bleed, this is a medical emergency. If you vomit blood, or have multiple black or dark red bowel movements in a row, you should see a doctor. If you experience either of those symptoms and feel dizzy, fatigued, or lightheaded, you should go to the emergency room.
The potential problems with chronic heartburn are Barrett’s Esophagus, where the lining of the throat resembles the intestines. It can also lead to an inflammation of the throat resembles lining causing swallowing problems. Finally if heartburn goes untreated it can cause ulcers and bleeding.
