Significance

• As many as 60 million people in the U.S. experience reflux symptoms one or more times each month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Approximately 25 percent of these people may suffer from chronic reflux symptoms, experiencing episodes nearly every day. Reflux symptoms can range in severity from mild to disabling, and untreated reflux can potentially lead to very serious complications, such as esophageal cancer.
  
  

Symptoms

• Reflux causes frequent burning and pain in the lower chest, throat and mid-abdominal area. In some cases, especially when reflux occurs in children, heartburn may not be present. A dry cough may occur due to throat irritation, and some people develop difficulty swallowing and asthma-like symptoms. Chronic reflux may show as a dental condition, causing a bad taste in the mouth, tooth erosion and cavities.
  
  

Causes

• Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle relaxes, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that certain anatomical abnormalities, including the presence of a hiatal hernia, may cause or contribute to reflux symptoms. Obesity, pregnancy and smoking are other factors that increase the chance of developing reflux.
  
  

Treatment

• Mild cases of reflux are usually treated with over-the-counter antacids and lifestyle changes. Avoiding spicy foods, chocolate, mint, citrus, fatty foods and caffeine may alleviate symptoms in some. Moderate to severe cases of reflux are treated with H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics. If these treatment options fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. A surgical procedure known as Nissen fundoplication involves wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the LES to strengthen it. This procedure is typically very effective, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  
  

Complications

• Untreated reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to internal bleeding and ulcer formation. Scarring caused by tissue damage may narrow the esophagus and prevent swallowing. In some cases, a condition called Barrett's esophagus results, which may lead to esophageal cancer. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases warns that even mild, chronic reflux can trigger asthma and pulmonary fibrosis in some people.