Complications of heartburn

Esophageal diseases take many forms, the most common of which is heartburn. The severity of heartburn is measured by the period of time during which the attack lasts, the times the heartburn occurs and/or its severity. Due to the sensitivity of the esophageal lining to stomach contents, continuous and prolonged exposure to these contents may cause changes such as inflammation, ulcers, bleeding and scarring that lead to esophageal obstruction.

If heartburn symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and medication, you should consult a doctor. Serious complications can occur such as:

Severe chest pain that mimics a heart attack

Esophageal stenosis (narrowing or blockage of the esophagus)

Bleeding

Changed to a pre-malignant tumor in the lining of the esophagus

In addition to symptoms that suggest severe damage, they include:

Difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, the effect of acid reflux into the windpipe causing difficulty breathing, coughing, hoarseness or weight loss.

Ignoring persistent heartburn may lead to serious consequences, so persistent symptoms of heartburn and reflux should not be ignored. But if you see a doctor early, the cause of reflux can be treated and more serious problems can be avoided