Acid reflux is an extremely inconvenient disease plaguing thousands of people every day. The range of discomfort experienced as a result of acid reflux varies from person to person. While many complain of heartburn, nausea, belching, coughing and regurgitation as signs of their acid reflux there are those instances where acid reflux is more severe which usually indicates a more extreme condition. It is imperative that sufferers of acid reflux appropriately gauge the severity of the disease before considering proper treatment. If you feel as if you acid reflux symptoms far surpass those who may suffer from acid reflux around you, you may need to consult with your physician to see if there is something outside of acid reflux that may be the problem.

If you notice that your acid reflux is getting worse as time goes on and you have exhausted all known remedies it may definitely be time to take your research a little further. On-going acid reflux that has gone ignored or that increasingly gets worse can lead to other health problems that could be avoided if proper precautions are taken ahead of time. Most extreme damage that is caused by severe acid reflux is noticed in the lining of the stomach and the esophagus which can ultimately lead to ulcers and other conditions.

Do not underestimate the more severe symptoms of acid reflux as they can be life-threatening. Persistent, severe acid reflux can lead to esophagitis. Esophagitis happens when there is consistent acid contact with the lining of the esophagus. This can cause esophagus ulcers or bleeding. This in turn may affect your eating which can ultimately cause many other health issues.

Strictures are another result of severe acid reflux. Strictures happen when the scar tissue that forms in the esophagus as a result of ulcers and bleeding causes for a narrowing in the esophagus. This narrowing makes it difficult to swallow foods and drinks.

Esophageal cancer is a condition that arises due to severe acid reflux as well. This form of cancer is most commonly found in men and can be the result of smoking, alcoholism, severe acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Barret’s esophagus. Sufferers of esophageal cancer eventually experience a difficulty swallowing, which in turn may cause a lack of food consumption which ultimately may result in extreme weight loss.

Barrett’s esophagus is a result of untreated severe acid reflux and is ultimately cell abnormalities in the esophagus. This condition can turn what essentially are normal esophagus cells into cells that are unhealthy. Barrett’s esophagus, like most of the other listed acid reflux related illnesses may be prevented by getting acid reflux under control before allowing it to get out of hand.

The best care is preventative care. Be sure to watch what you are eating. Make a note of acid reflux triggers and avoid consumption of these triggers. Drink lots of water to soothe the esophagus and calm the potentially hyperactive acids in your stomach.

Be sure to take control of acid reflux before it takes control of you.