sometimes gerd can cause serious complications. inflammation of the esophagus from stomach acid causes bleeding or ulcers. in addition scars from tissue damage can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult. some people develop barrett's esophagus where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color which over time can lead to cancer. also studies have shown that asthma chronic cough and pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated or even caused by gerd.
what are the long-term complications of gerd?