Question: What are the long-term complications of GERD?
Answer: A minority of patients develop complications of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). One complication is an inflammation of the esophagus from stomach acid which can lead to bleeding, ulcers or breaks in the lining of the esophagus, called esophageal erosions or esophagitis. Another complication is a narrowing of the esophagus, called esophageal strictures. These strictures can trap food and cause difficulty with swallowing. In some patients, the normal esophageal lining, or epithelium, may be replaced with abnormal epithelium. This condition is called Barrett's esophagus, and has been linked to cancer of the esophagus. Lung (pulmonary) aspiration, asthma and inflammation of the vocal cords or throat may also be caused by GERD.
