Long-standing heartburn, especially if it isn't properly treated, may lead to complications. These complications include:
- Barrett's Esophagus
Studies have shown a link between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Barrett's esophagus which, in turn, may lead to a relatively rare but often deadly type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Esophageal Cancer
Those individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Barrett's esophagus are at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the fastest growing cancer in the western world.
- Laryngeal Cancer
Researchers have reported that GERD is significantly associated with the development of laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx).
- Erosive Esophagitis
Esophagitis is an inflammation and swelling of the lining of the esophagus. It is most often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn).
- Esophageal Strictures
An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus. It occurs when scar tissue builds up in the esophagus. Since the esophagus isn't designed to handle refluxed stomach contents, so if the reflux is chronic, scar tissue may form and lead to a stricture.
I came across your blog about acid reflux in babies when searching Google. I wanted to drop you a note telling you how impressed I am with the information you have posted here. I also have a website about acid reflux in babies so I know I’m talking about when I say your site is top-notch! Keep up the great work, you are providing a great resource on the Internet here!
Thank you for the wonderful post about the chronic heartburn! The information is really useful!
As a former sufferer of not only heartburn, but also crohns, and ulcerative colitis, I’ve found that these maladies are not really diseases, but symptoms brought on by the things we eat and how we eat them. There is a method called food combining. Following this method called food combining I have found that all of my digestive symptoms have disappeared