So exactly what type of problems are we talking about? For starters the constant presence of acid reflux in the esophagus can lead to esphagitis, the inflammation of the esophagus. If the esophagus is not allowed to heal, other complications can arise.

Asthma – many people do not consider acid reflux as a cause of asthma, but the acid that flows back up into the esophagus can stimulate nerves related to the lungs which can constrict the airway causing coughing in non-asthmatics, and result in an asthma attack for those who do suffer from asthma.

Aspiration occurs when acid refluxed actually enters the lungs. Aspiration causes inflammation within the lungs, which leading to coughing, choking, and/or shortness of breath. If this persist the lungs can be scared from the acid reflux and which could lead to health problems such as  pneumonia.

Ulcers – If esophagitis is allowed to go unchecked it  can damage the esophagus lining. The acid reflux can begin to eat-away or burn a hole through esophagus lining resulting in ulcers.  Ulcers can cause a lot of discomfort because of the erosion of the lining, which can lead to bleading ulcers which often needs to be repaired surgical.

Strictures – A stricture is caused by the shrinkage or narrowing of the  inner cavity of the esophagus due to the scar caused by acid reflux.  If the stricture is severe enough food can become lodge in the esophagus. Causing much discomfort and annoyance. To fix this problem surgery is often recommended to re-stretch the stricture.

Barrett’s esophagus – Barrett’s esophagus is contracted by approximately 10% of the people with surffering from GERD. Barrett’s esophagus occurs when acid reflux damages the lower esophagus to the point that cells undergo metaplasia or a  cellular change. Metaplasia causes the composition of the cell in the esophagus wall to change. This cellular change is the body attempt to protect its self from the stomach acid by clsely match those cells found in the stomach and intestine.  This may sound beneficial but it’s very painful and can lead to esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer. – Esophageal cancer develops in the inner layer of the esophagus resulting from Barrett’s esophagus. The good news is that only 1% of Barrett’s esophagus suffers actually develop esophageal cancer.  I must point out that Esophageal cancer is very serious and life threatening.  Even though the risk may be minimal care should be taken if you suffer from Barrett’s esophagus. You will want to see you gastroenterologist on a regular basis.

Letting Acid Reflux go untreated can lead to complications which could have simply been avoided if you learning how to prevent acid reflux, through diet and/or medication.   Learn more about treating acid reflux naturally by clicking here!

Technorati Tags: Asthma, Barrett's esophagus, Esophageal cancer

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Heartburn and acid reflux are two associated conditions which affect a part of the patient’s gastro-intestinal tract – more precisely, the esophagus. While heartburn is only a transient occurence and may not have any other health implications whatsoever, it can also be a symptom of acid reflux – also named the gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, for short. GERD is an affliction which can become quite severe if left untreated, and it can in turn lead to the onset of more severe diseases, some of them potentially lethal.

Heartburn and acid reflux can be easily treated and there are several types of treatment available – from diet and life style changes, to medication therapies and surgery, and everyone is advised to check with their personal health care providers whenever they begin experiencing this type of digestive discomfort. However, many individuals prefer to dismiss heartburn and acid reflux as non-important, passing indigestion, only to discover the real nature of their problem when it may already be too late.

Among the most common complications of heartburn and acid reflux, studies show an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, a painful affliction which in turn can cause the onset of esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus is hard to diagnose, because there are no specific symptoms, and the only way to detect it is by performing an endoscopy and a biopsy. These procedures will reveal the fact that the tissue of the esophageal lining has been badly damaged by the gastric acids refluxing, that it has changed appearance and composition.

Another one of the side effects associated with heartburn and acid reflux is erosive esophagitis, a painful affection caused by the gastric acid traveling inside the esophagus and causing tissue inflammation and irritation. The symptoms can be mild, under the form of a burning sensation along the length of the esophagus, but more severe cases are characterized by the presence of lesions in the esophagus, caused by the digestive acids. Usually, this affliction is diagnosed by performing an endoscopy or by taking X-ray pictures of the esophagus, after the patient has swallowed a special contrast agent.

Also, erosive esophagitis can lead to a number of complications of its own – generally malnutrition and dehydration related disorders, as the patient is unable to drink or eat due to the pain caused by swallowing. Medical attention is required, and the health care professional will prescribe a medication treatment to relieve the patient’s symptoms.

Apart from the above, other afflictions may occur as a result of untreated heartburn and acid reflux as well. In order to avoid any such complications, it is strongly recommended to check with your doctor as soon as you experience the specific burning sensation in the back of your sternum.

Technorati Tags: Acid Reflux, Barrett's esophagus, Esophageal cancer, Heartburn

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Some very serious health problems may occur as consequences of an untreated acid reflux disease, and that’s why it is very important to detect, diagnose and treat the affection in its early stages.

The acid reflux disease leads to the onset of esophagitis, characterized by inflammation, irritation and pain in the esophagus caused by the gastric acid attacking the esophageal tissues. In the case of healthy individuals, a group of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter has the role of protecting the esophagus from the gastric contents by only opening up to let food pass from the esophagus into the stomach, and then closing back tight again; however, in the case of a patient suffering from acid reflux, these muscles are no longer able to close as tightly, and the acid leaks out into the esophagus.

In the case of severe acid reflux, the esophageal lining may become scarred, effectively narrowing the esophageal passage. This medical condition (called esophageal stricture) can become severe enough to block the passage completely, thus preventing any food or water from passing through. This may further lead to the onset of a number of nutrition related affections, and as such it should be treated immediately through certain procedures which aim to enlarge and stretch the esophagus.

When acid reflux causes esophagitis, the patient is exposed to the risk of developing esophageal bleeding or ulcers. Also, Barrett’s esophagus is more common in the case of acid reflux sufferers – this is an affection caracterized by a discoloration of the tissues in the lower esophagus as they become more and more resistant to acid, but the modified tissues also have a higher risk of malignancy. Along with Barrett’s esophagus, severe acid reflux, smoking and alcoholism are considered to be the leading causes of esophageal cancer.

The acid reflux disease can be managed through a number of lifestyle changes. Most of these are related to the individual’s eating habits: for example, eating several small meals every day instead of three big ones will prevent the stomach from becoming overloaded, and thus will reduce the chances for any gastric acid to enter the esophagus. Other measures involve both the eating and sleeping schedule: eating shortly before going to sleep may cause night-time reflux and pain; it is strongly recommended that you do not go to sleep for at least 45 minutes after having had a meal. A few measures refer only to the patient’s sleeping habits: for example, a patient affected by the acid reflux disease should be sleeping in a bed with the head elevated 6 to 8 inches, in order to help keep the gastric contents down.

Your personal physician can offer you more advice regarding prevention and treatment methods for your acid reflux disease. It is best that you closely follow his indications in order to treat your affection and prevent any of the possible complications.

Technorati Tags: Acid Reflux, Acid Reflux Causes, Barrett's esophagus, Disease, Esophageal cancer

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