is acid reflux potentially dangerous untreated?

Question

i was taking a nap Saturday,and awoke suddenly with horrible acid reflux heartburn all the way up into my throat.I coughed on the acid,and choked,and gasped to catch my breath.Soon,it was a little better,but i need to know if this is a serious situation.Anybody,including doctors,are welcome to answer.

Answer 1

It can be if left untreated for a long period of time. Over the counter Zantac works well for me.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

So..
The food that you swallow travels down your throat and is pushed by contractions of the muscular esophagus. In the area where the esophagus joins the stomach a valve-like mechanism, known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is located. The closure of this muscle prevents stomach acid from backing up, or refluxing, into the esophagus. LES malfunction is the first factor that causes and contributes to gastro-esophageal reflux disease. In a healthy individual, the LES relaxes only when food passes from the esophagus into the stomach. After the food passes into the stomach, the valve shuts off, keeping the stomach content and acid inside. However, when the LES is weak and doesn't close properly, acid can splash up into your throat causing painful burning sensation, called heartburn.

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Bye

Answer 4

Chronic untreated acid reflux can lead to Barrett's Esophagus, followed by esophageal cancer. Takes a long time, though...but you should take care of that. Of course, the vast majority of reflux sufferers never get cancer, but you never can be too careful.

Answer 5

Untreated acid reflux CAN lead to cancer. However, it can also effect your vocal cords & ability to speak after time. Generally your doctor will give you a prescription & have you change your eating habits including spicy foods....nothing to eat or drink 2 hours before laying down & propping the head of your bed up. You actually have to prop the the head of your bed up using something though, not just pillows under you head.

Answer 6

I am no doctor but I can tell you that my boyfriend was very sick over the winter (even spent the day in the ER right before Christmas) and it turns out all he had was some acid reflux. he started taking Nexium and has been fine ever since.

why suffer when you can take the "little purple pill"? :)

Answer 7

acid reflux and heartburn can lead to potential serious issues such as esophagus erosion may be a problem , and may also lead to cancer.