Is GERD Really Life Threatening? This is an Expert Explanation

JAKARTA – Meskipun Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) is not life-threatening directly, this disease can lead to several complications to watch out for such as inflammation of the esophagus or esophagus and esophageal cancer. If not treated properly, GERD can lead to recurrence and complications, thereby reducing the quality of life for sufferers.

GERD is a gastrointestinal disease with disturbing symptoms and complications, which is caused by reflux or the rising of stomach contents into the esophagus. GERD can be caused by a weakening of the valve or sphincter in the lower esophagus, making it unable to close properly. GERD is characterized by a sensation of pain and also a burning sensation (heartburn) in the chest, and a bitter taste in the mouth.

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Specialist Gastroenterology FKUIRSCM Prof. Dr. dr. Ari Fahrial Syam SpPD-KGEH, MMB, FINASIM explained, GERD is a disease that is not life-threatening, but if it occurs continuously, neglected, and not treated properly it can cause irritation and inflammation of the inner wall of the esophagus (esophagus).

“Over time this will cause chronic wounds, narrowing of the lower esophagus, until esophageal cancer occurs,” said Prof. Ari was in a health webinar recently.

Several risk factors can indeed increase the risk of GERD, said Prof. Ari, is obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, delayed gastric emptying, and scleroderma. In addition, GERD recurrence can also be triggered by several activities such as smoking, eating large meals at once, eating too late, consuming fatty or fried foods, consuming caffeinated drinks or foods, and taking certain medications such as aspirin.

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“Incomplete treatment of GERD can lead to complications of inflammation of the inner wall of the esophagus or esophagus. This inflammation can cause sores to scar tissue in the esophagus, making it difficult for sufferers to swallow,” explained Prof. Ari.

“This condition also triggers esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus, which is a disease that has a risk of causing esophageal cancer. GERD can cause death if there is a change in the esophageal stricture and it transforms into esophageal cancer,” he continued.

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