1. Health

Your Guide to GERD

By , About.com Guide

Updated February 13, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

7 of 10

Complications of Long-standing GERD

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.

  • 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.
There are, however, six steps you can take that can drastically reduce your chances of developing one of these complications.
  • Make the necessary lifestyle changes
  • Watch what you eat
  • Keep track of your heartburn triggers
  • Learn how to prevent heartburn before it happens
  • Reduce nighttime heartburn
  • Take prescribed medications
For detailed information on these preventative steps, please read 6 Steps To Preventing Heartburn-related Complications
  1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Heartburn / GERD
  4. GERD
  5. GERD - Your Guide to GERD - Your Guide to Acid Reflux - Complications of Long-standing GERD

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.