Does GERD shorten life expectancy?

While GERD can be a painful disturbance to your lifestyle, it doesn't necessarily affect your lifespan. Those who can manage their symptoms effectively will have a healthier and improved quality of life.

Can you live a long life with GERD?

Dr. Chandra said that once a diagnosis of GERD has been established, it may become a lifelong condition that will need management. She added that it's best to identify certain causes of your symptoms and learn to avoid or control circumstances to alleviate or even prevent symptoms.

Does GERD cause death?

The findings in the study reported here show that conserva- tively treated GERD can be fatal, despite modern effective antireflux medication (proton-pump inhibitors, H2 antago- nists). Hemorrhagic complications were the commonest cause of death, followed by aspiration pneumonia and perforation of an esophageal ulcer.

Can GERD cause long-term damage?

Long-term acid reflux can damage the esophagus and may lead to a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Barrett's affects about 3% to 10% of older men, but within this group the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only about four in every 1,000 cases.

Is acid reflux a life-long problem?

However, commonly held "dogma" by pediatricians is the belief that the majority of these children "grew out of their GER or GERD symptoms." On the contrary, recent evidence suggests that GERD in some subjects is a chronic, potentially life-long condition that begins in childhood, and in those in whom disease onset is ...

How to Cope with Persistent Acid Reflux

When does GERD become serious?

Those who have stage 4 GERD may suffer from complications that result in esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus or even esophageal cancers. This stage of GERD requires care by a specialist who will perform diagnostic and/or surveillance endoscopy as well as advanced esophageal manometry and pH testing.

Does acid reflux get worse with age?

It's common for adults to have occasional heartburn. But, as you get older, it can become a more frequent irritant. “There is not any clear age where things take a nosedive, but as we age, heartburn becomes more of a problem,” says gastroenterologist Scott Gabbard, MD.

What happens if you don't treat GERD?

GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

How severe is GERD?

If GERD is left untreated, esophagitis can cause bleeding, ulcers, and chronic scarring. This scarring can narrow the esophagus, eventually interfering with your ability to swallow. One major complication which occurs in about 10% to 15% of people with chronic or longstanding GERD is Barrett's esophagus.

How do I get rid of GERD permanently?

Why is my GERD getting worse?

Your physician may suggest certain lifestyle changes, such as avoiding high-fat or spicy foods. Citrus fruits, mint flavorings, alcohol and coffee can aggravate GERD, too. These foods may irritate the esophagus or may make acid reflux more likely to occur by affecting the lower esophageal sphincter.

Do I need surgery for GERD?

With most people, GERD can be controlled with medication, but when symptoms persist despite medication, surgery is the only option. The procedure is known as a fundoplication. That involves building a new barrier that prevents acid reflux from occurring.

How long does GERD take to heal?

GERD is a medical condition in which acidic liquids in the stomach leak up into the esophagus. Minor cases of GERD can heal in less than a month while moderate cases can take 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.

How do people live with GERD?

Change your sleep habits

Staying awake for 2-3 hours after eating can help as gravity and food digestion works together to alleviate symptoms. Sleeping with your head and shoulder elevated- either by pillows or in a chair- also helps reduce pressure and keep stomach contents where they belong.

Can GERD affect your heart?

People who have GERD are more likely than others to end up with heart disease, characterized by abnormal heartbeats, plaque buildup in the heart arteries or reduced blood flow to the heart. In 2010, heart disease caused one out of every four U.S. deaths. If you have abnormal signs or symptoms, go to the emergency room.

What are the stages of GERD?

Can GERD cause lung problems?

Links to lung diseases

The two more recognized aspiration diseases associated with GERD are aspiration pneumonitis and aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonitis occurs when a large amount of regurgitated gastric contents and acids are aspirated into the lungs, causing chemical injury.

How do I know if my esophagus is damaged?

Is GERD curable?

There is no cure for GERD — it's an ongoing digestive disorder — but it is treatable. Some people can manage symptoms with diet and lifestyle changes; others need more treatment. GERD is a common disorder, but the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for other conditions.

How long does a damaged esophagus take to heal?

It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems.

Is GERD age related?

There is no one clear age where heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) see a specific spike, but it's a fact of life that heartburn does worsen as we get older.

How do I strengthen my esophageal sphincter?

By lifting and holding the neck from a supine position for 60 seconds at a time, you create enough tension in the muscle associated with the upper esophageal sphincter that it can strengthen the valve.

What age is heartburn most common?

Heartburn is a common complaint in adults, especially after eating a hearty or spicy meal. Yet, infants and children also can experience that burning sensation in the chest. According to some estimates, about 2% of children ages 3 to 9, and 5% of children ages 10 to 17, have heartburn.

When should I worry about acid reflux?

If you have any of the following heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (also called acid reflux or GERD) symptoms or conditions, contact your doctor. Your heartburn symptoms have become more severe or frequent. You are having difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing, especially with solid foods or pills.

How can I live with GERD without medication?