Outlook

Reflux disease (GERD) is treatable, but relapses are common, especially if you do not change your lifestyle.

• For people with mild-to-moderate disease (grades 1-2), home care and H2-blockers are effective about 60% of the time.
  
  
• Severe esophagitis (grades 3-4) usually requires PPI therapy.
  
  
• If relapses occur, long-term therapy or surgery will be necessary to avoid complications.

Complications of acid reflux can include any of the following. Most of these are rare, but GERD can be the first step toward any of them. The best treatment for any of these is prevention.

• Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers - Inflammation, irritation of the lining of the esophagus
  
  
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux - When acid from the stomach gets into the throat, the voice becomes hoarse.
  
  
• Bleeding - Due to ulcers in the damaged esophageal lining
  
  
• Strictures - Narrowing of the esophagus due to chronic scarring
  
  
• Swallowing problems - Due to strictures
  
  
• Respiratory problems - When acid from the stomach gets into the breathing passages
  
  
• Barrett esophagus - Changes in the cells lining the esophagus, a precancerous condition
  
  
• Cancer of the esophagus - Has a very low incidence rate