Defining Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease, or more commonly known as GERD, is gastro esophageal reflux disease. It is a chronic condition where the liquid in the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. Esophageal damage is very likely if left untreated. Once diagnosed with acid reflux disease, treatments must be made which need to be administered for the rest of the patient’s life. Stopping the treatment usually means the reflux and subsequently the damage will return.

Many varying factors contribute to acid reflux disease. People who have esophageal damage caused by Scleraderma most likely will get acid reflux disease. Scleraderma is a rare disease, which causes hardening of the muscles, tissue, and major organs.

People who have a hiatal hernia often suffer from acid reflux disease, too. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach attaches to the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to push against the diaphragm. Once this occurs the esophagus is much more prone to acid reflux attacks.

Much more common things such as esophageal constrictions can cause acid reflux. When the esophagus constricts it pushes acids upward. A familiar name for this is heartburn.

Acid Reflux Disease Complications

Unfortunately acid reflux disease is chronic and can lead to many other problems. Ulcers are known to form in the esophagus just as they are in the stomach. An ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus, which usually causes bleeding. Bleeding can become so severe that a blood transfusion is necessary. This is rare though, but precaution should always be taken.

After an ulcer has healed a stricture is formed. This is equivalent to scar tissue that forms after surgery. If the stricture is large enough, food might lodge in the esophagus causing a choking sensation. In some cases the food may even need to be removed surgically. Fortunately there is a surgical procedure that can stretch the esophagus so that it is a more normal size. The procedure is simple and normally does not require a stay in the hospital.

In some cases acid reflux can be so bad as to carry over into the lungs causing pneumonia. This happens when reflux fluid is aspirated into the lungs. A major symptom in conjunction with pneumonia is heavy coughing. Help should be sought immediately as acid reflux can cause severe damage to the inside of the lungs. Scarring is the most likely end result, but if not treated then it will most certainly end in death.