• Ulcers: The refluxed gastric acidic contents may damage the cells of the inner lining of the esophagus. In response to this, there is inflammation of the esophagus. Persistent inflammation and damaged cells can cause ulceration and may or may not lead to bleeding.
• Stricture: After healing of the ulcers, scars are formed. This scarred tissue causes narrowing of the internal cavity of the esophagus, and this scarred narrowing can lead to strictures.
• Barrett's Esophagus: : GERD of very long duration may cause changes in the cells of the Esophagus. These changes are pre-cancerous and usually convert to cancerous tumours. This is known as Barrett's Esophagus.
• Respiratory Troubles: Long Standing GERD may precipitate dry cough and asthma, and may also cause inflammation of throat and larynx causing hoarseness of throat.