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What are the symptoms of acid reflux? And what can it lead to if untreated?
Jan 10, 2013

Dr. Faek Jamali Surgery
The most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

Heartburn is typically described as a burning sensation in the retrosternal area, most commonly experienced after meals.
Regurgitation is defined as the perception of flow of refluxed gastric content into the mouth or hypopharynx. Patients typically regurgitate acidic material mixed with small amounts of undigested food.
Difficulty swallowing is common in the setting of longstanding heartburn commonly attributable to Inflammation of the esophagus but potentially indicative of a stricture.

A variety of extraesophageal manifestations have been described including bronchospasm, laryngitis, and chronic cough. Other symptoms of GERD include chest pain, painful swallowing, and nausea.

If untreated, Acid reflux can lead to injury and narrowing of the distal esophagus, possible lung infection (pneumonia) secondary to the aspiration and has been associated with the development of a condition named Barrett's esophagus which is a premalignant condition.
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