What are the long-term complications of GERD?
Sometimes GERD can cause serious complications. Inflammation of the esophagus from stomach acid causes bleeding or ulcers. In addition, scars from tissue damage can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult. Some people develop Barrett’s esophagus, where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color, which over time can lead to cancer.
Also, studies have shown that asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated or even caused by GERD.
For information about Barrett’s esophagus, please see the Barrett’s Esophagus fact sheet from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Points to RememberHope Through Research
No one knows why some people who have heartburn develop GERD. Several factors may be involved, and research is under way on many levels. Risk factors--what makes some people get GERD but not others--are being explored, as is GERD’s role in other conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
The role of hiatal hernia in GERD continues to be debated and explored. It is a complex topic because some people have a hiatal hernia without having reflux, while others have reflux without having a hernia.
Much research is needed into the role of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Our ability to eliminate H. pylori has been responsible for reduced rates of peptic ulcer disease and some gastric cancers. At the same time, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and cancers of the esophagus have increased. Researchers wonder whether having H. pylori helps prevent GERD and other diseases. Future treatment will be greatly affected by the results of this research.
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