Complications

1. Reflux esophagitis

2. Iron deficiency anemia

3. Esophagel stricture

4. Esophageal ring

5. Complications due to aspiration of gastric contents

6. Reflux laryngitis

• Etiology: most common sequela of reflux esophagitis or ingestion of caustic substances

• Clinical features: solid food dysphagia

• Diagnostics

  • Barium esophagram (best initial test): narrowing of the esophagus at the gastroesophageal junction

  • Endoscopy with biopsies: to rule out malignancy and eosinophilic esophagitis

• Treatment

  • First-line treatment: dilation with bougie dilator/balloon dilator and PPIs in patients with reflux

  • In refractory cases (multiple recurrences): steroid injection prior to dilation; endoscopic electrosurgical incision

• Recurrence occurs in the majority of patients; multiple treatment attempts are often necessary.

• Schatzki rings: narrowing of the esophagus

  • Most commonly seen at the squamocolumnar junction

  • Usually caused by chronic acid reflux

  • Can lead to dysphagia

• Aspiration pneumonia and/or aspiration pneumonitis

• Chronic bronchitis

• Asthma (exacerbation)

hoarseness (due to laryngopharyngeal reflux)