Although acid reflux is not life threatening, chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause serious health complications over time.
Occasional acid reflux is fairly common, but GERD causes persistent acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea. It may also inflame the esophagus, causing esophagitis.
This article lists some of the symptoms and possible complications of acid reflux and GERD. We also provide tips on helping to prevent and treat these conditions and information on when to contact a doctor about symptoms.
Can acid reflux or GERD be life threatening?
Acid reflux itself is not life threatening. But chronic acid reflux can cause serious and potentially life threatening health complications. The medical term for frequent or chronic acid reflux is GERD.
Can it cause people to choke to death in their sleep?
There are no reported cases of a person choking to death in their sleep due to acid reflux or GERD. But GERD can cause stomach acid to enter the lungs, which can cause a burning cough.
Complications of GERD
Without treatment, GERD can cause several serious health complications, including:
sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinuses
adult-onset asthma
acid regurgitation into the lungs
esophagitis, which is inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the esophagus
esophageal stricture, which is narrowing of the esophagus
esophageal ulcers or bleeding
Barrett’s esophagus, which is a condition involving precancerous changes to the esophagus
esophageal cancer
The most serious threat of GERD is esophageal cancer, which has a combined 5-year survival rate of 20%Trusted Source across all stages.
Preventing complications from acid reflux
Occasional acid reflux typically does not cause health complications. The best way to help prevent complications is to avoid foods or activities that can trigger acid reflux.
Some tips to avoid occasional acid reflux include:
avoiding fatty or spicy foods
avoiding any foods that trigger symptoms
eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals
avoiding eating before bed
staying upright for about 45 minutes after a meal
sleeping with the head of the bed elevated by 6–8 inches
avoiding wearing clothing that fits tightly around the abdomen
reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
quitting smoking and staying away from second-hand smoke
taking medications according to a doctor’s instructions
To reduce the chance of complications from GERD, the best option is to seek medical treatment. People may also benefit from keeping a food journal. This will help them to identify and avoid foods that trigger or worsen their symptoms.
Treatment options
lifestyle changes such as those mentioned above
over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, such as:
Antacids: These are medications that help alleviate heartburn.
H2 blockers: These are medications that reduce the production of stomach acid.
Proton pump inhibitors: These are medications that reduce the production of stomach acid and help heal the lining of the esophagus.
surgical procedures for severe GERD, which may include:
Weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery: A procedure that can help promote weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. It may help to alleviate GERD symptoms.
Fundoplication: A procedure that involves sewing around the top of the stomach to help prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus.
Endoscopy: A procedure that involves using an endoscope to diagnose and help treat gastrointestinal symptoms. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached. A surgeon can guide the tube through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach. They can then pass surgical instruments through the endoscope to carry out a tissue biopsy or operation.
Acid reflux symptoms
The primary symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which typically feels like a burning pain in the center of the chest. But not all people who have acid reflux experience heartburn. Other possible symptoms include:
difficulty swallowing
bloating
nausea
hiccups
coughing
hoarse voice
an unpleasant taste in the mouth
bad breath
When to contact a doctor
Occasional bouts of acid reflux are rarely a cause for concern. But frequent bouts may signal an underlying problem that requires treatment. A person should talk with their doctor if they experience one or more of the following:
acid reflux symptoms that occur most days for 3 weeks or more
acid reflux that does not respond to appropriate lifestyle changes or OTC medications
additional symptoms, such as:
food becoming stuck in the throat
frequent vomiting
unexplained weight loss
If a person suspects that their chest pain may be due to a heart attack, they should seek emergency medical attention.
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