Course

• Heartburn can last for up to 2 hours and can re-occur regularly. It may cause significant distress and have a negative effect on your wellbeing. 
  
  
• Reflux esophagitis is associated with damage (as e.g. erosions - a shallow open sore limited to the inner lining of esophagus or rarely esophageal ulcers - a deep open sore) to the lining of the esophagus. Repeated damage may lead to scarring and narrowing of the esophagus (a stricture). This may result in difficulty in swallowing and you may feel that food is stuck in the throat. 
  
  
• Reflux esophagitis may also result in bleeding from the esophagus. If you experience red or black faeces (when you go to the toilet), cough up blood, or suffer from anaemia, you should consult your doctor. 
  
  
• In some people, the lining of the esophagus does not heal properly after it has been damaged. As the cells heal, they change so that they are more like the cells lining the stomach. This is known as Barrett’s esophagus. 
  
  
• There is a very small risk of developing esophageal cancer if you have persistent acid reflux.