Complications of Heartburn and GERD

After finishing a big meal, you feel it -- that scorched feeling in your chest. But you can keep heartburn in check with the right treatment, like a medicine or lifestyle change.

If you brush off the symptoms, though, this common condition and its more serious form, GERD, can lead to other health issues. That’s because heartburn happens when your stomach juices wash back up. Over time, stomach acid may damage your esophagus, teeth, and more.

Learn about the complications caused by uncontrolled heartburn and GERD -- and what you can do about them.

1. Damage to Your Esophagus

When the acid flows back up, it enters the esophagus, a tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This can set the stage for:

2. Increased Risk of Esophagus Cancer

Having GERD slightly raises your odds of getting this type of cancer.

Having Barrett’s esophagus can also make esophagus cancer more likely, especially if there’s a history of the condition in your family.

Symptoms of this type of cancer, such as troubling swallowing and chest pain, don’t appear until the disease reaches a later stage. That’s when it becomes harder to treat. Ask your doctor about getting screened if you have a higher risk for the disease. They may want to do an endoscopy regularly.

3. Tooth Decay

Heartburn can also take a toll on your smile. Stomach acid can wear down enamel, your teeth’s hard outer layer. This can weaken teeth and lead to cavities.

What Can You Do?

Get the right treatment for your acid reflux to avoid having these related health problems.

Some lifestyle changes can also help:

• Eat smaller meals, and avoid snacking before bedtime.
• Raise the head of your bed by 6 inches.
• Cut back on fatty and acidic foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, and coffee.
• If you smoke, stop
• If you are overweight, weightloss will help
• Avoid tight fitting clothes

Talk to your doctor. They may recommend taking medicine, such as an antacid, H2 blocker, or proton pump inhibitor (PPI). These are available over the counter and by prescription.

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