I have had acid reflux for months. Can it cause any damage?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old woman, and I have been having acid reflux for months. I get a burning feeling in my chest after meals, and sometimes food comes back up. It even wakes me at night. I am taking antacids, but they only help for a little while.

Could this affect my throat or lungs over time?
Are there long-term risks with reflux?
I also want to know what foods to avoid.
Can stress or hormones make it worse?
I have heard about surgery. Is that needed for women like me?
Please explain the most effective ways to manage this in daily life.

Kindly assist.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid moves back up into the food pipe (esophagus), instead of staying in the stomach where it belongs. This usually occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle valve between the stomach and esophagus, becomes weak or relaxed.

Common reasons this happens include:

A relaxed or weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows acid to flow upward.
Hormonal changes (especially estrogen and progesterone), which can relax this valve, are why reflux is common in women and during pregnancy.
Large or heavy meals, especially close to bedtime.
Lying down too soon after eating.
Certain trigger foods, such as spicy or fatty foods.
Stress, which can increase stomach acid and make symptoms feel worse.

In some people, a hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach pushes upward into the chest) can also contribute, though this is less common.

What happens if you leave reflux untreated?

Occasional reflux is usually harmless. However, if acid reflux continues for a long time without treatment, it can irritate and damage the lining of the esophagus.

Possible long-term effects for you are:

Inflammation of the food pipe (esophagitis).
Narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring can cause swallowing difficulty.
Barrett’s esophagus (a change in the lining seen in long-standing reflux).
Damage to teeth from repeated acid exposure.
Chronic throat irritation, cough, or asthma-like symptoms (a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the airways in the lungs to narrow and swell, making breathing difficult).

Foods that you need to limit or avoid, such as spicy foods, fried or fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, fizzy or carbonated drinks, acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus, and alcohol.

Habits that can help you with your condition:

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating.
Raise the head of your bed by six to eight inches.
Wear loose-fitting clothes around the waist.
The role of stress and hormones.
Stress does not directly cause reflux, but it can increase acid production and make symptoms feel more intense.
Hormones, especially progesterone, relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which explains why reflux worsens during pregnancy or with hormonal changes.

Managing stress through relaxation, gentle exercise, or breathing techniques can make a noticeable difference.

If lifestyle changes are not enough, medications can be very effective:

Antacids for quick, short-term relief.
H2 blockers (such as Famotidine) to reduce acid for several hours.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (like Omeprazole or Esomeprazole) for ongoing or severe symptoms.

When used correctly and under medical guidance, these medications are safe and effective for most people.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.