What Happens If You Ignore GERD Symptoms

It is a common complaint for many to have acid reflux occasionally. However, this can also turn into a serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, which requires a professional evaluation and diagnosis from a doctor. Many people think their heartburn symptoms are normal and do not take the time to make an appointment with their doctor. Here at Associates in Gastroenterology, PC, we help individuals in Colorado Springs with various digestive issues, and we created this blog to explain the truth about acid reflux and its treatment. We encourage our patients to treat these issues promptly to avoid any damage to their digestive system.

Resource: hopkinsmedicine.org

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

What Are GERD Symptoms?

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease may experience several chronic symptoms. The most common symptom is heartburn, a burning sensation in the middle of the chest. This discomfort may become worse after meals or while lying down. Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation, which occurs when sour liquid or food moves back into the throat. Other common symptoms include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Chronic dry cough
• Feeling like there is a lump in the throat
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness after waking

GERD vs. Heartburn

Heartburn occurs in many people after meals, especially after eating spicy food or consuming a lot of sugar. Most of the time, you can relieve the symptoms by taking an over-the-counter medication and watching your diet. People who experience gastroesophageal reflux disease often find that the acid backwash occurs twice a week or more or is more severe than acid reflux. If you have chronic heartburn or if your symptoms continue to interfere with your daily life or require prescription medications, your symptoms likely result from gastroesophageal reflux disease. A gastroenterologist can help you determine whether you have typical indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What Happens If You Leave GERD Untreated

Leaving acid reflux untreated can damage your esophagus as stomach acid washes over it again and again. One side effect of untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease is esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus that can cause significant discomfort. You may also begin to have trouble swallowing as a result of esophagitis, which can lead to bleeding due to the inflammation. The esophagus may also develop ulcers, which can lead to further pain and anemia. Your esophagus will be unable to heal the ulcers due to the constant contact with stomach acid.

Are There Other Issues I Could Face?

If you continue to allow symptoms to worsen, you will also begin to see the effects of the symptoms of the gastroesophageal reflux disease in other areas of your body. Stomach acid may be regurgitated and enter your lungs as you sleep. As a result, you may develop chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma, as well as suffer from more frequent episodes of these conditions. You could also begin to suffer from significant tooth decay due to the stomach acid eating away at your dental enamel. There are many ways your health may be affected over time as your body continues to suffer from the acid’s effects.

What Are the Potential Risks?

In some cases, there is a connection between untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease and serious conditions. Around 10% to 15% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease develop the cellular change known as Barrett’s esophagus. This changes the normal esophageal lining to a tissue similar to the intestinal lining. This greatly increases the chances of developing adenocarcinoma, an esophageal cancer that is usually very aggressive. Early treatment can help prevent this dangerous change from developing.

Impact on Daily Life

If your acid reflux is left untreated, it will likely affect your quality of life and possibly your productivity. It makes it difficult to focus on work, hobbies, or other activities when you are dealing with regular chest pain and throat burning. It can also turn mealtime from a pleasurable experience to a stressful one. People may need to avoid going out when there are no bathrooms or carry antacids or other medications with them. This kind of ongoing pain and discomfort is a drain on a person’s physical and emotional health, too.

Resource: mayoclinic.org

Impact on Sleep and Eating Habits

Sleep interruption is another major factor in the effects of chronic acid reflux. Lying down means the acid can easily travel all the way up into the esophagus, causing burning that wakes people up multiple times during the night. Poor sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, mood problems, and impaired mental function. In addition, people often avoid certain healthy foods because they may trigger reflux episodes that night. So they may not be getting proper nutrition because eating results in pain, which then can be followed by sleeplessness.

Long-term Health Risks

Permanent Esophageal Damage

The esophagus is not designed to be repeatedly exposed to the powerful acid in the stomach. Over time, the muscle that is supposed to prevent stomach contents from leaking back into the esophagus weakens, leading to even more reflux. The esophagus also begins forming excess scar tissue in its constant effort to heal from the acid burns. This scar tissue prevents the esophagus from stretching as much as it needs to allow food into the stomach.

Stricture and Other Risks

When the esophagus has extensive scar tissue, this can lead to a condition called a “stricture.” A stricture narrows the esophagus to the point that food cannot normally fit into it. People with a stricture often report feeling like food is stuck in their chest, and sometimes doctors have to take a special procedure that inserts a tube into the esophagus and physically stretches it out. Strictures tend to recur unless you treat the acid reflux.

When to See a Doctor

Talk to a gastroenterologist if you have heartburn or acid reflux more than twice a week, even while using over-the-counter drugs. If you have problems like this that disturb your sleep or interfere with your daily life, see a doctor about your acid reflux. If you have a constant cough or asthma-like symptoms, but have no other evidence of respiratory system disorders, it is possible that your condition is a symptom of chronic acid reflux.

Resource: webmd.com

Signs of Severe GERD That Can’t Be Ignored

Some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Seek medical care if you experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Black, tar-like stools
• Sudden or severe chest pain

Severe chest pain should always be evaluated immediately to rule out a heart problem.

Early Treatment Options for GERD

In the early stages of acid reflux, there are many conservative, very effective medical treatment options. Doctors often prescribe H2 blockers, which can temporarily reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Another medical option is a proton pump inhibitor, which creates a more potent chemical that allows the esophagus time to heal any previous damage. Your doctor may also recommend drugs to help tighten your lower esophageal sphincter and reduce the amount of backwash. These medical interventions generally manage the disease effectively as long as you take the medication as prescribed.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Symptoms

Daily habits can play an important role in managing acid reflux. Helpful changes may include:

• Reducing foods that trigger symptoms
• Raising the head of your bed a few inches
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding meals at least three hours before bedtime
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Top GERD Centers in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers a center for upper-endoscopies, motility studies, and all types of advanced testing and procedures. Associates in Gastroenterology, PC, offers top-notch diagnosis and treatment at a local Colorado Springs location. From diagnosis to complex testing, our medical professionals are ready to treat your condition and help you improve your digestion. We focus on offering safe and effective endoscopic services to all Colorado patients. Our staff is familiar with the specific gastroenterology needs of the Pikes Peak area.

Final Thoughts

Chronic heartburn, if left untreated, can cause significant damage to your body and can be life-threatening. If it is left untreated, your condition could evolve to be more serious and even lead to dangerous, pre-cancerous conditions. At Associates in Gastroenterology, PC, we are ready to help people in Colorado Springs fight the pain and the health risk of gastroesophageal reflux. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.