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Asked by: Samoil Lyzin
medical health digestive disordersWhat are the long term effects of GERD?
Regarding this, can GERD cause long term damage?
GERD can be a problem if it's not treatedbecause,over time, the reflux of stomach aciddamages thetissue lining the esophagus, causinginflammation and pain.In adults, long-lasting,untreated GERD can lead topermanent damage of the esophagusand sometimes evencancer.
Consequently, how is GERD treated long term?
For most patients, initial acid suppressive therapywitha PPI is recommended. Once healing is achieved, the majorityofpatients with erosive esophagitis will requirecontinuedlong-term (maintenance) acidsuppressivetreatment, usually with a lower dosage of theirinitialacid-suppressive therapy.
It usually starts about 30-60 minutes after eatingandcan last as long as 2 hours. Lying down orbendingover can bring on heartburn or make it worse. Itissometimes referred to as acid indigestion. Not everyonewithGERD has heartburn.