3. Difficulty Swallowing: The Silent Struggle of GERD
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On a typical day, we don’t give the act of swallowing a second thought. It’s an automatic, seamless process that facilitates our nourishment. However, for many GERD sufferers, this simple act can turn into a challenging endeavor. Known as dysphagia, difficulty swallowing can be both concerning and frustrating, casting a shadow over meal times.
So why does this happen? The constant backflow of stomach acid can irritate and cause swelling in the esophagus. This inflammation can make the passage narrower, leading to the feeling of food being “stuck” or taking longer to pass to the stomach. Over time, if unchecked, this can lead to severe complications, such as esophageal strictures. (3)
