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Acid reflux is a common condition. Heartburn occurs in up to 20% of people weekly and up to 10% of these have erosive esophagitis.

GERD is generally a benign condition with few problems but when symptoms are persistent, it can cause considerable distress.

Retrospective studies have shown that acid reflux patients who initially had normal endoscopies tend to continue to have normal endoscopies. There is, however, a small group that will develop Barrett’s esophagus, adenocarcinoma and stricture.

Some GERD sufferers may have very severe symptoms and at endoscopy instead of significant changes the esophageal lining is normal. In such cases the esophagus is very sensitive to the acidic assault even though there is no damage. On the other hand, Barrett’s esophagus can develop in patients with minimal symptoms.

So it is clear that severity and frequency of symptoms do not always indicate the level of esophagitis. Some patients with minimal symptoms can develop strictures, Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma.

The commonest symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. A GERD patient may also have an unpleasant taste in the mouth. According to NIDDK, there are over 60 million Americans who suffer heartburn once a week and up to 25 million have heartburn once a day.

Infants and pregnant women have a high incidence of heartburn and as we grow older the incidence of acid reflux increases. In UK 20% have heartburn once a week and in Canada this figure is 13%.

The incidence of heartburn is high in the west. Do not ignore your symptoms. If they are persistent see your doctor for effective acid reflux treatment.

Dr. Phil Hariram.