Acid Reflux: Complications
Frank Robson
Those who suffer from Acid Reflux disease should be aware that it could be a sign that there is another issue brewing- one that could even be life threatening.
A lifetime of acidic fluid swishing up into the Esophagus, scarring and burning the walls; more and more food going down this path, tangling with the ulcerated surface, the subsequent laxness in the movement of the Esophageal contractions as it moves the food downward towards the stomach - all these factors contribute to some serious afflictions.
Often children and infants who suffer from reflux may not actually vomit, but still, the stomach contents can move up the food pipe and spill into the windpipe into the lungs. These children can have asthma, pneumonia, and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) can occur. Also of concern, children with reflux who vomit often may not grow as well as they should.
Stomach fluids that reflux into the esophagus damage the cells lining the esophagus. The body typically then reacts with inflammation and this is called Erosive Esophagitis. .
When ulcers and the additional inflammation are present, it can lead to bleeding into the esophagus. In severe cases, the bleeding can lead to such things as severe anemia, requiring blood transfusions, and treatments by surgery or endoscope.
Because of the scar tissue and ulceration, there is a narrowing of the food pipe. This prevents the easy passage of food, makes swallowing difficult, and can also cause breathing problems- like shortness of breath and wheezing.
After being subjected to gastric acid reflux for such a long time, the cells in the lining of the esophageal wall can change. The cells in the walls can become pre-cancerous, then later cancerous. This condition (Barrett's esophagus) occurs in roughly 10% of all acid reflux patients. There are more and more people being diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus today.
There are also a group of nerves in the lower part of the esophagus which are aggravated by the acid reflux. Sometimes them getting disturbed causes what we call heartburn. There are other people in which these nerves will disturb other nerves. These nerves will cause constriction of the airways, and cause the person to cough and get breathless.
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