Is Acid Reflux Dangerous?

Acid reflux (AR) develops when stomach contents regurgitate into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe and chronic illness in which gastroesophageal reflux (GER) generates recurring symptoms or difficulties over time. This article will comprehensively answer the question “Is acid reflux dangerous?”

Risks of Acid Reflux on Long-Term Health 

Is acid reflux dangerous if left untreated? 

Without therapy, GER can lead to major consequences over time, including esophagitis, peptic ulcers, esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus, as well as difficulties outside the esophagus.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most dangerous of the severe esophageal complications of GERD.
According to a new Swedish study, people who have heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once a week are nearly 8 times more likely to develop this malignancy.

Those with nighttime reflux symptoms had an 11-fold higher risk than those who did not have any symptoms.

This type of cancer has the fastest-rising prevalence of any sort in the US, so this is not a unique result.
Adenocarcinoma development has been linked to the presence of Barrett’s esophagus, a disorder in which the typical squamous epithelium of the mucosa is replaced by a columnar epithelium resembling the stomach and intestine lining. It is typically encountered in people with long-term reflux.

Non-esophageal complications of GERD might include a variety of cardiac, otolaryngologic, and pulmonary issues. In certain circumstances, midnight reflux and regurgitation have been fatal.

Patients have died suddenly due to aspiration at night. Bradycardia has been linked to gastroesophageal reflux in patients with impaired autonomic regulation, such as young children and those with familial dysautonomia, and may be involved in sudden infant death syndrome.

Patients with depressed states of consciousness and those who are in a supine position, whether or not they are on mechanical ventilation, should be concerned about aspiration-induced lung damage.

Women in labor, particularly those undergoing cesarean delivery, are at risk of serious lung injury and even death due to acid aspiration.

Because acid is quickly neutralized, these systemic extraesophageal signs of GERD are unlikely to be caused by direct acid harm.

The majority of lung damage, however, is thought to be caused by secondary inflammatory reactions involving neutrophil recruitment and activation.

Additionally, the release of substance P may intensify some of these effects.

Here are the most common consequences of untreated acid reflux:

GERD 

Occurs when the muscle responsible for keeping acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus weakens or is injured, causing damage and irritation. 

Acid reflux occurs 2-3 times a week or more, which increases the likelihood of damage. 

Acid reflux progresses to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) when the symptoms become unpleasant or cause esophageal damage. GERD affects approximately 20% of the population.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. Esophagitis can lead to ulcers and bleeding in the esophageal lining. 

Chronic esophagitis raises the risk of developing esophageal strictures and Barrett’s esophagus.

Esophageal Stricture

Esophageal strictures occur when your esophagus becomes too thin. Strictures in the esophagus can cause difficulty swallowing.

Barrett’s esophagus

GERD can sometimes cause Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which tissue identical to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining your esophagus. 

Barrett’s esophagus causes a rare form of cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Hidden Dangers of Acid Reflux 

Acid reflux is frequently linked to heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth; however, there are other hidden risks that individuals may be unaware of:

Dental Erosion: Even if you don’t have acute heartburn, stomach acid can enter the mouth, particularly when sleeping, causing progressive erosion of tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to sensitive teeth, cavities, and gum disease.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): often known as “silent reflux,” can induce symptoms such as recurrent throat clearing, hoarseness, and coughing in the absence of usual heartburn.

This hidden hazard can harm the vocal cords and throat without being identified as acid reflux.

Chronic Cough or Asthma-Like Symptoms: Acid reflux that enters the airways can cause chronic coughs or asthma-like symptoms. This might be mistaken for other illnesses, resulting in misdiagnosis and chronic pain.

Heart Attack Mimicry: Acid reflux can induce severe chest discomfort that mimics a heart attack, leading to confusion and unneeded emergency department visits.

These hidden concerns demonstrate how acid reflux can harm parts of the body that are not directly related to stomach discomfort.

Serious Complications of Untreated Acid Reflux

“Is acid reflux dangerous or life-threatening?” Acid reflux itself is not life-threatening. However, chronic acid reflux can lead to serious and perhaps life-threatening health issues. 

There have been no reports of anyone choking to death while sleeping because of acid reflux or GERD. 

However, GERD can cause stomach acid to enter the lungs, resulting in a burning cough.

In rare situations, acid reflux can cause cancer. Acid reflux issues such as esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus are linked to an increased risk of cancer. Around 30% of esophageal malignancies are associated with GERD.

Reference

Acid reflux: Causes, treatment, and symptoms. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619

Antunes, C., Curtis, S. A., & Aleem, A. (2023, July 3). Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/

Fletcher, J. (2021, December 21). Can acid reflux kill you? Retrieved March 9, 2025, from Medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-acid-reflux-kill-you#complications

NIDDK. (2019, January 16). Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults | NIDDK. Retrieved from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults

Publishing, H. H. (2017, June 1). When does long-term acid reflux become a serious issue? Retrieved from Harvard Health website: https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/when-does-long-term-acid-reflux-become-a-serious-issue