Suara.com – Gastroesophageal reflux disease or also commonly known as GERD, is a condition that acid reflux can be both an acute and a chronic problem. The condition occurs when stomach acid flows from the stomach back into the esophagus – which connects the organ to the throat.
For most people, it will happen occasionally, but untreated long-term chronic GERD can cause permanent damage. So how do you know that the damage from GERD can be permanent?
According to Express UK, the burning sensation caused by stomach acid occurs when it coats and inflames the walls of the esophagus. Usually, it appears after a meal, and its severity depends on how much acid flows back and how high it rises.
People will experience one – or more – of the five symptoms.
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This can include:
- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Acidic food or liquid rises to the throat or mouth
- Feels like a lump in the throat
- Stomach acid can temporarily leave the sensitive esophagus after it subsides.
Persistent and untreated acid will leave permanent damage. Doctors have identified a variety of conditions, most of which are easily treatable.
But some can serve as precursors to life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
Potential complications of GERD include:
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Erosive esophagitis
- A narrowed esophagus (known as an esophageal stricture)
- Dental disease
- Asthma relapse
Barrett’s esophagus
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According to Harvard Health, Barrett’s esophagus is one of the most worrying GERD-related conditions and can progress to esophageal cancer.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent heartburn
- Regurgitation of swallowed food or stomach acid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain (less often)
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