What are long-term health effects of GERD (also for acidity or gastritis)?

In some cases, GERD can cause peptic ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or upper intestine. These ulcers can cause significant pain and require treatment.

Ongoing GERD can cause frequent regurgitation of food or sour liquid, leading to a sour taste in the mouth and discomfort. This can impact daily life and worsen overall quality of life.

Barrett’s esophagus, which is linked to GERD, increases the risk of esophageal cancer. While the risk is still low, regular monitoring and early detection are important.

Repeated exposure to stomach acid can cause scarring in the esophagus, leading to strictures or narrowing. This makes swallowing difficult and may require medical intervention to correct.

Chronic GERD may make eating uncomfortable, leading to unintentional weight loss or malnutrition. Difficulty swallowing or fear of triggering symptoms can reduce food intake.

Severe cases of GERD can cause erosion of the esophageal lining, leading to bleeding. This may result in blood in vomit or stool and requires immediate medical attention.

GERD can contribute to sinus issues by causing inflammation in the throat and nasal passages. Acid reflux may worsen or trigger chronic sinus infections and post-nasal drip.

Over time, GERD can make swallowing more difficult, a condition known as dysphagia. This can result from esophageal inflammation, scarring, or narrowing due to acid damage.

Living with chronic GERD can take a toll on mental health. The discomfort, pain, and lifestyle changes required to manage the condition may contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords, leading to changes in your voice. People with GERD may notice persistent hoarseness or a deeper voice over time due to chronic irritation.

Long-term, untreated GERD may cause Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the lining of the esophagus changes. This can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, though it’s still relatively rare.

In severe cases, GERD can lead to chronic respiratory problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This occurs when stomach acid is aspirated into the lungs, causing inflammation and infection.

Repeated acid exposure can irritate the vocal cords, leading to chronic laryngitis. Symptoms include hoarseness, voice changes, and the sensation of a lump in the throat.

Long-term use of GERD medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can lead to side effects such as nutrient malabsorption (e.g., magnesium and vitamin B12), increased fracture risk, and gut infections.

Chronic acid reflux can erode tooth enamel, leading to dental issues like sensitivity, cavities, and decay. This occurs when stomach acid reaches the mouth during reflux episodes.

Acid reflux can irritate the throat and airways, leading to a chronic cough. This cough often persists even in the absence of heartburn symptoms and may be mistaken for other conditions.

GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus, known as esophagitis. Over time, stomach acid irritates the esophageal lining, causing discomfort, pain, and difficulty swallowing.

GERD can worsen asthma symptoms by irritating the airways with stomach acid. The acid can cause constriction and inflammation in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.

GERD can interfere with sleep, particularly for those who experience nighttime reflux. Acid reflux during sleep may cause frequent waking, discomfort, and poor sleep quality.