Is Heartburn Dangerous? The Serious Complications You Can't Ignore

Have you ever had that burning feeling in your chest after a big meal and brushed it off as “just heartburn”? Many people do. But here’s the thing, frequent heartburn isn’t something you should ignore. It’s often a sign that stomach acid is moving where it doesn’t belong, into your esophagus, and over time, that can cause real problems.

In fact, a report revealed that over 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. now deal with acid reflux or GERD weekly. That’s a huge number, and it shows how common, yet overlooked, this issue really is.

The next time you wonder, “Is heartburn dangerous?” Is acid reflux dangerous? Is GERD dangerous? Think about what is occurring in your digestive and upper respiratory pathways. What damage is being done? Keeping stomach acid out of your esophagus is essential to improve your quality of life, prevent serious damage, and maintain your long-term health.

What Exactly Is Acid Reflux Disease and What is Its Diagnosis?

Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive condition that causes sufferers to experience acid reflux and, oftentimes, heartburn on a regular basis. 

Approximately 20% of the population suffers from GERD, which is typically caused by a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which separates the esophagus from the stomach.

A healthy LES opens to let food in and then closes once the food has passed, preventing acid reflux and regurgitation. But a malfunctioning LES may not close tightly enough, and this makes it possible for acidic stomach contents to seep into your esophagus, resulting in acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and more.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose you with GERD based on the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and a physical exam. Common GERD symptoms include:

• Heartburn

• Regurgitation of food

• Chest pain

• Difficulty swallowing

• A feeling of a lump in your throat

If the doctor can’t make a clear diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical exam, then they may employ other diagnostic methods to be certain. 

For example, your doctor may conduct an upper endoscopy, where they insert a thin tube with an attached camera down your throat to get a better look at your digestive tract.

In other cases, your doctor may conduct:

• A pH probe test to check your stomach acid levels

• An esophageal manometry to gauge how well the muscles in your esophagus are functioning

• An X-ray so they can get a full view of your digestive tract

What are the Signs of Acid Reflux Complications

Signs and symptoms of GERD can be painful. They can make sleeping very difficult due to intense burning in the chest, regurgitation, or even choking at night. In some cases, these symptoms can be more than just a nuisance; they can actually be dangerous.

For instance, long-term exposure to stomach acid can cause damage to your esophageal lining and alter the cells in your esophagus, a condition referred to as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus may increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

So, if you’re asking yourself, “Is acid reflux dangerous?” just know that it certainly can be. While occasional acid reflux or heartburn symptoms are generally harmless, frequent symptoms can be detrimental to your health and overall well-being. If you experience heartburn all the time or persistent acid reflux, watch out for these signs, as they may indicate that you’re dealing with a more serious problem:

1. Abdominal Pain

If you experience severe abdominal pain or bloating along with acid reflux and heartburn symptoms, then you may be suffering from gastritis. Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining and is caused by bacteria, infections, chronic vomiting, excessive alcohol use, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. An endoscopy will show how much of your stomach lining has been damaged.

2. Difficulty Swallowing

Have you been experiencing acid reflux and heartburn symptoms, and now find it difficult or painful to swallow? If so, this could be a sign of esophagitis. Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophageal tissue that can damage the esophageal lining if left untreated.

3. Nausea or Vomiting

GERD patients frequently experience nausea, but if you have persistent nausea or vomiting along with other symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Nausea and vomiting may indicate the presence of a hiatal hernia or esophagitis.

4. The Silent Sign: Tooth Erosion

Persistent acid reflux does more than just cause chest discomfort; it can directly impact your oral health. When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, it can travel all the way into the mouth. This leads to two significant issues:

1. Bad Breath (Halitosis): Stomach acid has a naturally sour and unpleasant odor. When these fumes reach the mouth, they cause chronic bad breath that mints and mouthwash can't permanently resolve.

2. Tooth Erosion: This is the more serious and permanent consequence. Stomach acid is highly corrosive and gradually wears away the protective enamel on your teeth. Over time, this erosion leads to increased sensitivity, discoloration (as the yellower dentin layer shows through), and a higher risk for cavities.

5. Severe Chest Pain: A Heart Attack Warning

This is a medical emergency. GERD chest pain can mimic heart attack pain. If you experience severe chest pain, pressure, or squeezing in addition to nausea, difficulty breathing, or jaw, neck, or back pain, call emergency services immediately. Do not assume it's just heartburn.

What Are the Treatments for Frequent Heartburn and GERD

Luckily, you have options when it comes to treatment for frequent heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Here are some treatment options that address the causes of frequent heartburn:

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

In many cases, acid reflux and heartburn are either caused or exacerbated by diet. Certain foods can exaggerate your GERD symptoms and cause irritation. Some products that are known to cause acid reflux flare-ups in some people include:

• Fried food

• Fast food

• Spicy foods

• Highly-processed snacks

• Carbonated beverages (such as soda)

• Pepper

• Fatty meats

• Cheese

• Tomato-based sauces

• Citrus fruits

• Chocolate

• Peppermint

Some of the lifestyle changes include: 

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, heavy ones.

• Don’t lie down right after eating.

• Elevate your head while sleeping to keep acid from flowing upward.

• Quit smoking, since it relaxes the LES and makes reflux worse.

• Maintaining a healthy weight, extra pressure on the stomach can push acid upward.

Medications and PPIs

There are a variety of over-the-counter medications out there that often prove effective in reducing symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Some of these acid reflux medications include:

• Antacids such as Tums and Rolaids can neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from GERD symptoms.

• H2 receptor blockers like famotidine don’t act as quickly as antacids but may be able to provide more relief in the long term by reducing stomach acid production.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce stomach acid production and are generally stronger than H2 receptor blockers, which means they can allow your esophagus more time to heal.

When using these over-the-counter medications, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label. Prolonged use of any of these medications may cause damage in the long term. So, if you are using it for the long-term, it should always be discussed with a doctor.

Sleep on an Incline: A Game-Changer for Night Time Relief

Sleeping on an incline is an easy and natural way to help prevent stomach acid from seeping into your esophagus. Why is sleeping on an incline so effective? Gravity and anatomy. By keeping your esophagus above your stomach, gravity keeps your stomach acid where it belongs.

If you’re searching for nighttime acid reflux relief, then consider the MedCline Reflux Relief System. This is a specially-designed GERD pillow that elevates your body and keeps you in the doctor-recommended position for nighttime acid reflux relief.

The MedCline Reflux Relief System has helped many patients naturally relieve their nighttime GERD symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, and nasal congestion. In fact, 95% of MedCline users report getting a better night’s sleep using this pillow. Protect your esophagus and get a good night’s sleep when you use this comfortable three-part sleeping system.

When to See Your Doctor

While sometimes acid reflux and heartburn can be treated at home, other times you may need help from a medical professional to find long-term relief. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

• You experience GERD symptoms more than twice a week.

• Over-the-counter medications aren't providing consistent relief.

• Your symptoms are disrupting your sleep, diet, or daily activities.

• You have any of the warning signs mentioned above (difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea, etc)

When you meet with your doctor, they will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. If they end up diagnosing you with GERD, then they will advise you on the best course of treatment. In severe cases, your doctor may suggest GERD surgery to prevent further damage to your esophagus.

Wrapping Up

So, is heartburn dangerous? The journey from occasional discomfort to a condition like Barrett's Esophagus makes it clear that persistent symptoms are not something to "just live with." The potential acid reflux complications are serious, but they are also largely preventable.

So, take action and protect yourself from long-term acid exposure. Implement dietary changes, try over-the-counter medications, and quit smoking. Also, for nighttime acid reflux relief, use MedCline’s Reflux Relief System to sleep on an incline throughout the night. It can help keep stomach acid out of your esophagus during the night, providing you with comfort and peace of mind at the same time.

Take action today. Start a food diary, talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and take the first step toward a life free from the dangers of uncontrolled acid reflux.