Left untreated, GERD can result in several serious complications, including esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. Esophagitis can vary widely in severity with severe cases resulting in extensive erosions, ulcerations and narrowing of the esophagus. Esophagitis may also lead to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Seek immediate medical care if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Make an appointment with your doctor if you: Experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms.
Stage 3 (severe): A person has regular heartburn, a chronic cough, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, and regurgitation of food. Stage 4 (esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions): A person has the same symptoms as stage 3, plus food getting stuck in the back of their throat when eating.
GERD can sometimes lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining your esophagus. A small number of people with Barrett's esophagus develop a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma link.
Symptoms of Stage 4 GERD
Sore throat. Hoarse voice. Chronic cough. Dysphagia (food getting stuck in the esophagus while eating)
The most utilized diagnostic test for the evaluation of GERD and its possible complications is the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
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.
The Dangers of Untreated GERD
Dr. Tosch warns that chronic, untreated GERD can cause serious complications. Over time, recurring acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus. This inflammation condition is called esophagitis.
More serious complications may emerge, such as the precancerous condition known as Barrett's esophagus, as well as esophageal adenocarcinoma. These GERD complications can result in hospitalizations for anti-reflux surgery, such as Nissen fundoplication.
If the pain is not relieved shortly after taking antacids, or is accompanied by these symptoms, seek emergency medical care: Squeezing/tightening in the chest. Feeling out of breath. Pain, aching or discomfort radiating from the chest to the arms, back or neck.
Some research suggests that inflammation in the esophagus (esophagitis) from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can take up to 8 weeks to heal with successful lifestyle changes and medications.
For some folks, it can last just a few minutes. Sometimes it can last for several hours. Heartburn happens about once a week for up to 20% of Americans and is common in pregnant women.
People should contact a doctor if they suspect they have developed GERD, OTC antacids and H2 blockers are no longer controlling heartburn, or they have pain or difficulty with swallowing. People should also contact a doctor if their chest pain feels more like pressure, squeezing, or constriction rather than burning.
Symptoms. Sudden injuries of the esophagus usually cause pain, often felt as sharp pain under the breastbone. They may also cause bleeding, and blood may appear in vomit or stool. Fainting may occur due to this pain, especially if the esophagus ruptures.
“This can occur for multiple reasons that cause intra-abdominal pressure to be abnormally elevated, including being overweight or obese, frequent overeating, lying down too soon after eating, chronic straining or coughing, or chronic heavy lifting. These are typically the people who are more susceptible to GERD.”
Nausea and GERD
This can lead to damage as well as leave a lingering taste in the mouth as the acid creeps upward. Partnered with difficulty swallowing, coughing, and belching with GERD, many patients feel nauseated or experience vomiting. Indigestion has also been reported by some patients.
Q:GERD is diagnosed by blood tests. True or False? A:False. While a completely accurate diagnostic test for GERD does not exist, GERD may be diagnosed or evaluated by a trial of treatment, endoscopy, biopsy, X-ray, 24 hour esophageal acid testing, and esophageal acid perfusion.
The duration of GERD symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may occasionally last a few hours. In other cases, symptoms may be more frequent and persist for several days or weeks.
“Basically your survival rate is less than 20%. So it's important to identify people in the early change stage before they actually advance to esophageal cancer.”