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What Happens if Acid Reflux is Left Untreated?

A person might experience acid reflux when an irritating sensation occurs in their food pipeline due to stomach acids. Usually, a specific valve closes after the entry of a food item into a person’s stomach. Instead of closing, if the valve starts to relax, then it may cause reflux resulting in the backflow of bile (stomach acids) in the person’s esophagus. 

 

Several symptoms like heartburn, difficulty in swallowing, and chest pain help find out if a person is struggling with acid reflux. Often food consumption may also become a difficult task in the condition of acid reflux. 

 

Although a burning sensation after eating a portion of spicy food is normal, if a person deals with heartburn regularly, it could be an early sign of acid reflux and should be treated immediately. Therefore, if you are seeing symptoms of acid reflux, then get in touch with a trusted doctor like Dr. Jacob Rinker in Casper to get effective treatment.

 

Impact of acid reflux:

  • Tooth decay

 

Although it can seem uncommon, acid reflux can take a toll on the growth of an enamel. Since the stomach acids are flowing back up the pipeline, it can impact the enamel’s outer layer resulting in a severe cavity and tooth decay. 

  • Strictures

 

Usually, the stomach acids may leave a scar on the esophagus’s lining. The scars caused by the acids become narrow, called strictures impacting a person’s food consumption. Hence, a person with acid reflux should consult a doctor so that the strictures are appropriately stretched.

  • Ulcers

 

Acid reflux is one of the major causes of ulcers where a person might feel discomfort, chest pain, and nausea. Getting treated for acid reflux will automatically treat ulcers since the doctor might prescribe medication for the reflux to subside.

  • Barrett’s esophagus

 

There are possibilities for the growth of abnormal cells due to acid reflux which can result in an increased risk of esophagus cancer. If a person with acid reflux seeks medical treatment at the early stage, then the precancerous cells may be removed.

 

Therefore, if acid reflux is left untreated, it can complicate and create severe other medical conditions. If a person is feeling discomfort in food consumption in general, it can also be reported to a medical expert to examine and tell if there is a severe problem. Hence, you are advised to contact a doctor at an early stage to avoid future complications.