GERD

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Complications

In addition to irritation and inflammation of your esophagus (esophagitis), chronic reflux of stomach acid into your esophagus can lead to one or more of the following conditions if left untreated:

Esophageal narrowing (stricture). Strictures occur in some people with GERD. Damage to cells in the lower esophagus from acid exposure leads to formation of scar tissue. The scar tissue narrows the food pathway, causing large chunks of food to get caught up in the narrowing, and can interfere with swallowing.
Esophageal ulcer. Stomach acid can severely erode tissues in the esophagus, causing an open sore to form. The esophageal ulcer may bleed, cause pain and make swallowing difficult.
Barrett's esophagus. This is a serious, though uncommon, complication of GERD. In Barrett's esophagus, the color and composition of the tissue lining the lower esophagus change. Instead of pink, the tissue turns a salmon color. Under a microscope, the tissue resembles that of the small intestine. This cellular change is called metaplasia. Metaplasia is brought on by repeated and long-term exposure to stomach acid and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The risk of cancer is low, but you'll need regular endoscopies to look for early warning signs of cancer if you're diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms