Is Acid Reflux Dangerous? When Should I See a Doctor?

When treated early and properly, acid reflux is not necessarily dangerous. However, when your symptoms worsen and persist despite medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments, you need to consult your doctor.

While acid reflux is not necessarily dangerous¹, it can be extremely disruptive to our day-to-day lives due to the persistent chest pain and difficulty in eating it causes.

In addition, there are also cases where its symptoms worsen and persist, requiring professional medical assistance.² In this article, we will take a look at what exactly acid reflux is, what you can do to prevent and treat it at home, and when it is time to consult your doctor.

Suffering from Acid Reflux: What Is It?

Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux or GER is a condition where the acidic juices in your stomach flow back into your esophagus causing irritation. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens or relaxes enough to let acid come back up.²

The esophageal sphincter is the ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus. Normally acting as a valve, it prevents the contents of your stomach from moving back up.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

When your lower esophageal sphincter fails, the acidic juices in your stomach are free to flow back up your esophagus. This can be exacerbated by the following factors:

• Large meals — Eating too much too fast can cause increased pressure in your stomach²
• Lying down right after eating — Doing so eliminates gravity’s ability to help keep the food you ate and the acidic juices in your stomach down²
• Certain medications — NSAIDs like ibuprofen, certain blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants are also known acid reflux triggers²
• Certain foods and drinks — Spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee, tea, alcohol, and carbonated drinks are known to trigger acid reflux³
• Smoking — When you smoke, your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and your body starts producing more stomach acid ²
• Stress — The likelihood of having acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms increases in people who are under stress⁷

Certain conditions also increase the risk of acid reflux and GERD:

• Hiatal hernia — This condition tends to interfere with the function of the lower esophageal sphincter ²
• Pregnancy — This is known to cause hormonal changes and additional stomach pressure⁵ that, in turn, may cause acid reflux
• Certain medical conditions — Some connective tissue disorders like scleroderma may affect your esophagus muscles²

 

What Causes Acid Reflux?

When you experience acid reflux symptoms at least twice a week for several weeks, you may have a chronic condition gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.² While the symptoms may be similar, GERD, if left untreated, can cause more serious conditions ² such as:

• Esophagitis
• Esophageal strictures
• Barett’s esophagus due to prolonged or chronic acid exposure

When to Seek Medical Assistance?

Seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms that may indicate a heart attack, severe allergic reaction, or obstruction1: Difficulty breathing or feeling your throat tighten up Shortness of breath Chest pressure or squeezing Chest pain that radiates to your shoulder, back, or arm Loss of consciousness

It’s common for everyone to get acid reflux from time to time, but it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor when you get severe or frequent symptoms⁴ or when your symptoms start interfering with your day-to-day activities. Symptoms of acid reflux or GERD include⁴:

• A burning sensation in the chest
• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump in your throat
• An ongoing cough
• Laryngitis or inflammation of the vocal cords
• New or worsening asthma

How to Prevent Acid Reflux

Preventing acid reflux involves making lifestyle and dietary habits that avoid triggers and aggravating factors. These include:

• Avoiding or minimizing your consumption of trigger foods and drinks⁶ like spicy dishes, coffee, and tea
• Eating smaller meals⁴
• Not lying down right after eating²
• Avoiding or minimizing smoking²
• Minimizing stress or managing it better⁷
• Taking care of your overall health to minimize your risk for conditions that could cause acid reflux

Get Immediate Relief

While lifestyle changes go a long way towards managing acid reflux, there’s no need to suffer if you experience acid reflux symptoms. You can get effective relief with over-the-counter options like Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon).

Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) treats the symptoms of heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and the bitter and acidic taste in your mouth. It works in as fast as 3 minutes and lasts for up to 4 hours by forming a protective barrier over your stomach contents, stopping acid from rising and soothing the burning sensation in your chest.

Available at leading drug stores and pharmacies nationwide and on the Reckitt Health and Beauty on Lazada and Reckitt Health Official Shop on Shopee.    

The Bottom Line: Acid Reflux Does Not Have to Be Dangerous

You can manage acid reflux with simple lifestyle and dietary changes, along with over-the-counter options like Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon). However, we recommend consulting your doctor to ensure you’re getting the right treatment, especially when your symptoms become frequent.

References:

1. Vandergriendt, Carly. Healthline. (May 6, 2024). Can Acid Reflux Kill You or Cause Dangerous Complications? Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/can-acid-reflux-kill-you
2. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Acid reflux & GERD. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn). Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn
4. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
5. (n.d.). Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy. Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/
6. Sharma, A., & Gupta, R. (2024). Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10458865/
7. Hobbs, Heather. (May 1, 2024). Healthline. (n.d.). Can Stress Cause Acid Reflux? Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/stress#stress-and-acid-reflux