Though lifestyle habits and healthy eating habits may be capable
to reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (or acid
reflux disease), they are not able to cure the disease. Left unseen by a
medical specialist and untreated for a longer period of time, acid
reflux disease can seriously impact the body by irritating the lining of
the esophagus, a cause for later, more serious complications.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition in which mucosal damage is caused by the stomach acid coming up into the esophagus. Acid reflux is usually caused by the abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter changes in the valve between the stomach and the esophagus.
What are the most severe long-term complications of acid reflux?
To learn about laparoscopic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and whether or not you are a candidate for such an intervention, contact a specialized medical specialist.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition in which mucosal damage is caused by the stomach acid coming up into the esophagus. Acid reflux is usually caused by the abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter changes in the valve between the stomach and the esophagus.
What are the most severe long-term complications of acid reflux?
- Barrett's Esophagus is a condition characterized by intestinal metaplasia, which usually precedes carcinoma. Because of the risk of chronic heartburn progressing to Barrett's, patients with acid reflux are recommended to undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at least every five years. It is observed that patients with Barrett's esophagus have significantly increased chances to develop esophageal cancer compared to acid reflux patients without Barrett's. Symptoms of the condition include: frequent and longstanding heartburn, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, chest pain and unintentional weight loss.
- Esophageal Cancer is the cancer of the tissues of the esophagus. Despite all efforts of medical scientists, the actual cause of cancer remains unidentified, but a definite link can be made gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal cancer. Symptoms include difficult, painful, and husky cough, as a result of the tumor affecting the laryngeal nerve.
- Laryngeal Cancer is the cancerous disease of the larynx and the condition is associated with preexisting acid reflux disease. Symptoms include hoarseness and other voice changes, lump in the neck, sore throat, persistent cough, bad breath, earache.
- Erosive Esophagitis is the inflammation and swelling of the esophagus commonly caused by acid stomach that makes its way back up into the esophagus. Symptoms include pain in the chest or abdomen, nausea, etc.
- Esophageal Stricture is a narrowing or tightening of the esophagus which can lead difficulties in swallowing food. Symptoms of esophageal strictures include heartburn, acid taste in the mouth, coughing, shortness of breath, and frequent burping or hiccups. Severe symptoms include pain or difficulty swallowing, throwing up blood and weight loss.
To learn about laparoscopic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and whether or not you are a candidate for such an intervention, contact a specialized medical specialist.
Dr. Thomas E. Lavin
is a board certified general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive
surgery. He is the founder of the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana.
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