Can acid reflux mean something serious?

Is GERD (chronic acid reflux) dangerous or life-threatening? GERD isn't life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus.

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How do you know if your acid reflux is serious?

If you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with pain in the jaw, neck, or back, nausea and vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.

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Can acid reflux be caused by something serious?

However, when acid reflux occurs frequently and is left untreated, it can lead to conditions such as esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, aspiration pneumonia, and Barrett's esophagus. People who have frequent episodes of acid reflux are also at a slightly increased risk for developing esophageal cancer.

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Can reflux be a symptom of something else?

Heartburn-like pain is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but several other conditions can cause a burning feeling in your chest, including gallstones, stomach ulcer and esophageal cancer.

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What will happen if acid reflux is not treated?

GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

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Can acid reflux kill you?

42 related questions found

How do you know your esophagus is damaged?

Common symptoms of esophagitis include:
  1. Difficulty swallowing.
  2. Painful swallowing.
  3. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus, also known as food impaction.
  4. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.
  5. Heartburn.
  6. Acid regurgitation.

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What are the 4 types of acid reflux?

GERD is broken down into different stages based on how serious your symptoms are and how often they occur:
  • Stage 1: Mild GERD. Minimal acid reflux occurs once or twice a month. ...
  • Stage 2: Moderate GERD. ...
  • Stage 3: Severe GERD. ...
  • Stage 4: Precancer or cancer.

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What disease is similar to acid reflux?

Two other conditions that can be mistaken for heartburn can include hiatal hernias and esophageal cancer.

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Why am I getting acid reflux all of a sudden?

Being overweight or obese. Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist. Snacking close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications.

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What randomly causes acid reflux?

The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.

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When should you see a GP for acid reflux?

See a GP if:

you have heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more. you also have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick, or losing weight for no reason.

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What is the last stage of acid reflux?

Stage 4: Reflux induced precancerous lesions or esophageal cancer. Stage 4 is the result of many years of untreated severe reflux. 10% of patients with long-term GERD progress to stage 4. They develop a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus.

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Should I be worried about my acid reflux?

GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own. Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer.

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What happens if you have acid reflux every day?

But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus. Esophagitis can cause ulcers in your esophagus, heartburn, chest pain, bleeding and trouble swallowing.

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How do you know if acid reflux is in your lungs?

Acid backing up from the stomach and into the esophagus can sometimes reach the upper esophagus and be breathed into the lungs. Acid can cause irritation to the airway tissues and result in symptoms in some patients. Typical symptoms include wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, and airway spasms or asthma.

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Is it normal to have heartburn every day?

It may feel like chest pain or burning after eating, a sour taste in the back of the throat or hoarseness. But suffering daily, long-lasting or frequent heartburn symptoms should not be ignored and may indicate a more serious condition.

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What infections cause acid reflux?

The most common cause of swelling and irritation of the esophagus is stomach acid that flows back into your esophagus. But infections can also cause this swelling and irritation. Fungi, yeast, viruses, and bacteria can all set off the condition, called infectious esophagitis.

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Is acid reflux autoimmune?

The fluid contains acid, which irritates the tissue. This problem is called gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). An autoimmune disorder called eosinophilic esophagitis also causes this condition.

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What are the red flags for acid reflux?

difficulty swallowing, which may feel like a piece of food is stuck low down in your throat. pain when swallowing. a sore throat and hoarseness. a persistent cough or wheezing, which may be worse at night.

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Does GERD affect life expectancy?

While GERD can be a painful disturbance to your lifestyle, it doesn't necessarily affect your lifespan. Those who can manage their symptoms effectively will have a healthier and improved quality of life. Some therapies may work better for some than others.

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What is the difference between reflux and GERD?

The feeling of acid reflux is heartburn: a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest, often occurring after meals or when lying down. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of acid reflux. In GERD, the backflow of stomach acid occurs chronically and causes damage to the body over time.

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When should I worry about my esophagus?

If you've had trouble with heartburn, regurgitation and acid reflux for more than five years, then you should ask your doctor about your risk of Barrett's esophagus. Seek immediate help if you: Have chest pain, which may be a symptom of a heart attack. Have difficulty swallowing.

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How long does it take for esophagus to heal from acid reflux?

If you have reflux, medicine that reduces the stomach acid helps your body heal. It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

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Can an esophagus repair itself?

A perforation in the uppermost (neck region) part of the esophagus may heal by itself if you do not eat or drink for a period of time. In this case, you will need a stomach feeding tube or another way to get nutrients. Surgery is often needed to repair a perforation in the middle or bottom portions of the esophagus.

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Can stress cause acid reflux?

Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.

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