In this article, Dr. Mohammed Aboul-Ezz

Hepatology, gastroentrology and endoscopy consultant, explains everything related to the complications of GERD, starting from esophagitis that occurs due to swelling or irritation of the esophageal lining caused by stomach acid reflux. These complications often cause uncomfortable symptoms such as stomach and chest burning, nausea, and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms of esophagitis include difficulty swallowing, pain while swallowing, throat inflammation, stomach burning and chest pain, hoarseness in voice. Untreated esophagitis can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus.

Symptoms of esophageal ulcers include burning pain in the middle of the chest, pain when swallowing, nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, vomiting (sometimes with blood), blood in stool as well as weight loss. These symptoms raise many questions for those suffering from this problem about its causes and treatment methods. Some people with esophageal ulcers may not show any symptoms but if left untreated it may cause serious complications such as perforation or bleeding ulcers. If GERD or its resulting complications are left untreated it may lead to Esophageal Stricture due to scarring or abnormal tissue growth in the esophagus causing narrowing of its cavity. Collagen deposition during self-healing process of ulcerative esophagitis also causes gradual shrinkage of the esophageal cavity.

Barrett's Esophagus is a condition that refers to the replacement of squamous cells in the esophagus with glandular cells resembling intestinal cells due to continued damage by stomach acid. It is more common in males than females and is considered a risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the glandular esophagus, which can be life-threatening. Those with Barrett's Esophagus are likely to experience symptoms related to GERD, where there are no distinctive symptoms that may indicate Barrett's disease.

Esophageal cancer is a rare effect of acid reflux. The risk of developing this disease increases when a person suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrett's esophagus, especially esophageal glandular cancer, which occurs in the lower part of the esophagus near the stomach. Symptoms of this disease include difficulty swallowing, coughing, chest pain, severe heartburn, severe indigestion, weight loss, and other complications of acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause some health problems in other parts of the body, such as respiratory pneumonia, oral and dental health problems, and non-allergic respiratory crises in people with asthma. To avoid any of these complications, Dr. Mohammed Aboul-Ezz recommends undergoing an endoscopic examination to diagnose the degree of acid reflux and prescribe the necessary treatment to stop the progression of the disease.