What Are The Hidden Dangers of Acid Reflux?

What are the Hidden Dangers of Acid Reflux Disease?

In our previous post we defined what acid reflux is, what it causes (heartburn), and what it isn't (indigestion). Now that we know what acid reflux is, and what's going on in our bodies when we have this condition, let's take a look at what can happen if we let acid reflux go without treating it.

If you're like most folks, you probably only know of acid reflux as the pesky, yet sometimes very painful, heartburn that you can experience after certain meals. What you might not know is that persistent and untreated acid reflux can cause conditions that are much more serious than occasional heartburn.

Here's a list of conditions that could develop as a result of untreated acid reflux disease.

Tooth and Gum Erosion

Gastric (stomach) acid that makes it past the esophagus and into the mouth can eat the enamel off of teeth and erode the gums. Studies show that the average number of people with dental erosion varies from 2 to 18%, but that the percentage of acid reflux disease (GERD) sufferers with erosion ranges from 20 to 55%!

Sinusitis

Acid reflux disease has been linked to sinusitis in both adults and children. A study of chronic sinusitis sufferers who've had surgery to relieve their condition, showed that those with acid reflux disease were less likely to see relief as a result of the operation.

Though the stomach acid may not reach the sinuses themselves, it can get as high as the pharynx (the opening leading from the nose and mouth to the esophagus) and play a role in irritating mucous membranes and blocking sinus passages.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal chords that can a person's voice to sound raspy and hoarse. Like the other acid reflux ailments, this condition is a result of acid reaching the vocal chords, which are located in the larynx at the top of the trachea (windpipe).

Esophagitis

Of course, to reach any of the previously mentioned places (the larynx, pharynx, or mouth) the stomach acid must travel through the esophagus. Repeated contact with the esophagus can cause swelling, bleeding, and ulcers. If left untreated, acid reflux can also cause the following conditions.

Strictures

Acid reflux can cause scar tissue to build up in the esophagus which makes the passageway for food and liquid smaller. These build-ups are known as strictures.

Strictures can make it for difficult to eat and drink, and even prevent food from reaching the stomach.

Barrett's Esophagus

Repeated exposure of the esophagus to acid reflux can cause a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. Here, the cells in the esophagus actually change into different cells, and can potentially cause cancer.

Cancer

As many as .5% of people with Barrett's esophagus develop cancer. Acid reflux is not the only cause of esophageal cancer, but because it's even one, it requires attention, treatment, and prevention.

Now that you know what acid reflux disease is and its potential dangers, you owe it to yourself to be on the lookout for acid reflux symptoms, to find the best acid reflux treatments and cures for yourself, and to learn how to prevent re-occurrences of acid reflux in the future.

Acid reflux Resources

Below are a list of the acid reflux articles that served as the sources for the information in this post.

Complications of Untreated Heartburn and GERD from WebMD

Reflux Disease May Cause Sinusitis and Damage Teeth from Healthlink

Disorders of Vocal Abuse and Misuse

Experts Lay Down the Law on Acid Reflux from WebMD