What Happens When You Don’t Treat GERD?
Usually caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), GERD can cause a variety of symptoms in patients: heartburn, trouble staying asleep, and a consistently upset stomach. Unfortunately, most patients don't know how serious some conditions related to GERD can be.
Long Term Effects of GERD
While heartburn may seem like a pesky, minor affliction, it is actually considered a chronic illness if you experience symptoms multiple times per week. Patients with untreated GERD are at risk for developing some very serious complications. For this reason, we recommend that you consider a more permanent solution to your reflux disease.
Damage to the Esophagus, Including Cancer
Epithelial cells that line the esophagus already have a high turnover rate; however, constant contact with the stomach's acidic contents and the stomach enzyme pepsin can increase irritation and drive faster cell replication, raising the risk for unchecked mutations. Patients with untreated reflux and GERD are at a greater risk for developing Barret's Esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Acidity isn't the best environment for tooth enamel, the protective coating of your teeth. The acidic nature of refluxed stomach contents can dissolve the minerals that cover your teeth and protect them from bacterial decay. Patients with reflux that makes its way into the mouth often struggle with halitosis (bad breath), enamel stripping, tooth decay, and recurring cavities.
OTC Medication-Related Complications
While over-the-counter reflux medications may provide some temporary relief, they shouldn’t be relied on long-term. Here’s just a few examples of side effects that prolonged use of these medicines can cause: magnesium deficiency, bone mass loss, calcium deficiency, general malabsorption of nutrients, Clostridium difficile infection, and pneumonia.
Simply put, these medications don't address the root cause of your GERD symptoms; only a physical procedure can tighten a loose, weak LES.
Other Conditions Related to GERD
Many GERD patients experience reflux that backs into their larynx and trachea. Some stomach acid can even make it all the way into the lungs; the tissue of the lungs is incredibly sensitive to pH change and can be damaged permanently when exposed to acid. Some GERD patients develop pulmonary fibrosis and become more prone to pneumonia infections.
Is Reflux Surgery Effective?
Arguably, physical reflux procedures are the only permanent solution to your GERD symptoms. Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we offer three different types of surgical options: LINX, TIF, and Lap Nissen fundoplication. The only real solution for your persistent heartburn is to address the source of the problem: a weakened LES. Contact our reflux specialists to schedule a consultation for surgery today!