Complications of GERD
- Esophageal ulcers: Damage from stomach acid causes ulcers to form at the lower end of the foodpipe (esophagus)
- Peptic stricture: Repeated damage to the lower esophagus from the acid causes scar formation and gradually leads to narrowing causing difficulty in swallowing foods.
- Barrett’s esophagus: Continuous acid exposure may lead to changes in the lining of the lower esophagus that can give rise to cancer.
- Although cancer can arise as a complication of GERD, the incidence of cancer is very uncommon (<0.1%).
- An endoscopy can help in the diagnosis as well as treatment of such complications
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