Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease with a fairly high incidence. However, many people are very subjective, leading to timely and improper treatment of the disease, causing many serious complications. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, gastroesophageal reflux can cause some complications such as:
Esophagitis
GERD can cause esophageal mucosa inflammation due to continuous contact with stomach acid. Esophagitis can lead to pain, dysphagia, and esophageal ulcers.
Esophageal Stricture
Inflammation and damage caused by stomach acid can cause scars, narrowing the esophagus, and making it difficult to swallow food and drinks.
Esophageal ulcer
Stomach acid can cause ulcers in the esophageal mucosa, causing pain, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes bleeding.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Continuous exposure to stomach acid can cause precancerous changes in the cells of the esophageal mucosa, called Barrett's esophage. Barrett's esophage increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Esophageal Cancer
Prolonged GERD and Barrett's esophagus are important risk factors for the development of esophageal cancer, especially adenocarcinoma.
Respiratory problems
Reversal stomach acid can enter the lungs, causing or worsening respiratory problems such as aspiration pneumonia, asthma, chronic cough, chronic sore throat, laryngitis.
Tooth decay and dental problems
Stomach acid can damage tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
GERD-induced esophageal scarring and stenosis can cause difficulty swallowing food and drinks.
Non-cardiac chest pain
GERD can cause chest pain, sometimes confused with angina or cardiovascular problems.
Sleep disorders
GERD can cause acid reflux at night, disrupting sleep and leading to chronic sleep disorders.
To protect your health, take the initiative to see a doctor if you have any symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. This will help prevent dangerous complications that may occur in the future.
