The Complications of Untreated Heartburn

Despite how benign heartburn may seem, it can lead to some serious complications when left untreated. Unfortunately, many people ignore heartburn or rely on some quick fixes, such as antacids, to relieve their symptoms.

In this article, we will cover the most serious complications that occur when you don’t treat heartburn. We will also look at a new drug that may address the underlying cause instead of the presenting symptoms.

Complication of untreated heartburn

After decades of untreated acid reflux and heartburn, sufferers can develop a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus. This condition occurs when the cells lining the oesophagus (food pipe) undergo a transformation into the same type of cells found in the intestines. In other words, if you examine a segment of Barrett’s oesophagus, you’ll discover cells more typical of the intestines, rather than the usual oesophageal cells. Doctors refer to this phenomenon as metaplasia.

This transformation is a result of the oesophagus’s prolonged exposure to stomach acid. Normally, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) prevents contact between the food pipe and the stomach. However, if this sphincter becomes loose, the sensitive oesophageal cells are exposed to the stomach’s low pH. In response to the body’s tendency to maintain balance (homeostasis), the oesophageal cells adapt to endure this challenging environment.

Unfortunately, untreated Barrett’s oesophagus can progress to oesophageal cancer.  Between 3 and 13 people out of 100 (between 3 and 13%) with Barrett’s oesophagus in the UK will develop oesophageal adenocarcinoma in their lifetime (Cancer Research UK, 2023). Therefore, monitoring and appropriate medical interventions are indispensable to manage and mitigate these risks.

What causes Barrett’s Esophagus?

Scientists have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of Barrett’s oesophagus, but it’s closely linked to GERD. When the muscles in the lower oesophageal sphincter relax, stomach contents can flow back into the oesophagus.

Although some people develop Barrett’s oesophagus without chronic heartburn, those with acid reflux are five times more likely to develop it. Reports indicate 5%–13% of chronic heartburn patients will develop Barrett’s oesophagus. A higher incidence is seen in men over the age of 55 years old (NIDDK, 2024).

Consequently, Barrett’s oesophagus doesn’t necessarily progress to cancer but increases its risk. The best way to mitigate this risk is by treating heartburn early on in the process.

What are the risk factors?

Aside from chronic heartburn, other risk factors of Barrett’s oesophagus include:

• Gender – Men tend to be at a higher risk

• Race – e.g. Caucasians at a higher risk

• Advanced age

• A history of gastritis caused by H. pylori

• Being overweight or obese

• Smoking

Factors that exacerbate Barrett’s:

• Smoking.
• Alcohol.
• Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Copious meals.
• Meals rich in saturated fats.
• Spicy foods.

Symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus typically does not present with any specific signs. As most patients also have heartburn, they commonly experience acid reflux symptoms. If you notice any unusual symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor for further evaluation.  These symptoms include:

Severe chest pain

Vomiting blood

Difficulty swallowing

Black or tarry stools

Most cases of Barrett’s oesophagus are found in people around 55 years old. When you tell your doctor about heartburn symptoms, they will ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and possibly order an endoscopy.  In this procedure, a small tube with a camera and light is inserted into your oesophagus. The doctor uses it to look for any unusual tissue changes. If Barrett’s oesophagus is suspected, the doctor may take a tiny piece of tissue for examination. A pathologist looks at it under a microscope to find any abnormalities.

Endoscopy for Barrett’s Esophagus

• If no changes are found, repeat every 3 years.
• If there are mild changes, another procedure is done in 6–12 months.

Cancer risk from Barrett’s Esophagus

As noted above, Barrett’s oesophagus increases the risk of oesophageal cancer. Statistics indicate that 10 out of 1,000 individuals with Barrett’s oesophagus develop cancer within 10 years (Cancer Research UK, 2023). If you have this condition, your doctor will review your medical history and schedule regular checkups to watch for cancer signs. Biopsies may be ordered to examine oesophageal tissues for precancerous cells. Early cancer detection is vital for prognosis.

However, the best way to prevent Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal cancer, and other debilitating complications, we recommend that you address the root cause behind your symptoms (more on that next).

How Zemaflux can help

Zemaflux is a revolutionary solution to treat the underlying cause of acid reflux. It provides a natural way to prevent complications associated with untreated heartburn. This Resistance Trainer strengthens the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter muscles, which are vital to prevent acid reflux.

Unlike traditional acid reflux medications, Zemaflux provides a unique approach through its 8-week training program. The cause of heartburn is the excessive relaxation of the LES. Therefore, to fix the underlying cause, we need something that strengthens these muscles.

How Zemaflux Works

By concentrating airflow into the diaphragm, Zemaflux trains and restores the strength of LES muscles. Clinical trials support the concept that diaphragmatic breathing enhances LES muscle strength.

The device’s adjustable resistance settings allow patients to progress through a personalised training program, which gradually increases diaphragm thickness and LES pressure. Zemaflux is natural and doesn’t cause any of the notorious side effects associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids.

By following the recommended program, you can experience long-term relief from acid reflux.

Takeaway message

Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer are debilitating complications of untreated heartburn. Without a proactive role, you may put yourself at risk for these diseases. To help with this, Zemaflux addresses the root cause of heartburn in addition to relieving the symptoms.

References and Further Reading

Cancer Research UK (2023).  What is Barrett’s oesophagus?, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/other-conditions/barretts-oesophagus/about-barretts, 16 August 2023

Kim, S.E., et al. (2023).  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Barrett’s Esophagus and Beyond, pp.147-158 in F. Schlottmann, et al. (eds.), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment (Springer, Switzerland, 2023)

NIDDK (2024).  Symptoms & Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/barretts-esophagus/symptoms-causes, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, August 2024

Ravindran, A. & Iyer, P.G. (2020).  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Complications, pp.1-17 in Pitchumoni, C., Dharmarajan, T. (eds), Geriatric Gastroenterology (Springer, Cham)