5 Risks Of Untreated Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux affects 7 million Americans. For those who are unaware, GERD is a digestive disease in which the acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and then into the mouth, causing heartburn. The occasional heartburn is nothing to worry about, but heartburn shouldn’t be ignored if you’re experiencing it on a daily or almost-daily basis.

Here are a few basic symptoms of acid reflux you need to be aware of:

A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to your throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Dry cough
Hoarseness or sore throat
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
Sensation of a lump in your throat.

In the long run, GERD can wreak havoc on your esophagus. Furthermore, here are five reasons to stop ignoring your acid reflux.

1. Esophageal cancer: In cases where GERD has been left untreated for many years, esophageal cancer can develop. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent coughing, vomiting and chest pain.

2. Tooth decay: When the acid makes its way back up to the mouth repeatedly, it can lead to acid erosion and once the tooth enamel wears down, it’s gone forever. In fact, 40 percent of people with GERD had tooth decay, according to a study conducted by the University of Alabama.

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3. Esophagitis: Untreated acid reflux can eventually lead to esophagitis – this is when the esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated.

4. Reflux laryngitis: As the stomach acid travels from the stomach and back up to the mouth, the voice box becomes inflamed in the process.