Acid Reflux Disease
What are the risks?

In addition to the discomfort it may cause you, acid reflux disease is often a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications over time. Some people feel acid reflux symptoms more frequently than others, but not feeling symptoms all of the time doesn't eliminate the risk of serious damage.

A little heartburn pain may not seem like a big deal. But something worse could be going on, like damage to your esophagus.

Serious damage is associated with acid reflux disease

Erosive esophagitis
Erosive esophagitis is a condition in which the lining of your esophagus has been eroded away or damaged by continued exposure to acid and other stomach contents. Severe erosive esophagitis can include esophageal ulcers. Fortunately, erosive esophagitis can be treated. Talk to your doctor about healing erosive esophagitis.

Know the risk of future complications

Esophageal stricture
Esophageal stricture is the narrowing of the esophagus. This condition can make it difficult to swallow. Forcing yourself to swallow may then cause vomiting or choking. Esophageal stricture can cause food to get trapped in part of the esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus
Barrett's esophagus occurs when the lining of the lower esophagus changes to resemble the lining of the intestine. This may be the body's way of trying to protect the esophagus from the refluxing stomach acid. Barrett's esophagus is a serious complication of acid reflux disease that, in rare cases, can increase the risk of developing a type of esophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Prevacid is not indicated for treatment of esophageal stricture or Barrett's esophagus.