Acid reflux could be associated with discomfort with it proving to be very serious at times. These symptoms could show up as chronic and acute pain with other serious conditions like Esophagitis, Barretts esophagus, Strictures and Esophageal cancer.
Esophagitis could cause ulceration and bleeding in the esophagus making it difficult to swallow. Chronic and untreated severe acid reflux could lead to Barretts esophagus or cell abnormalities in the esophagus. Barretts esophagus if untreated could lead to esophagus cancer. The esophagus could also et scarred and narrowed with severe acid reflux and ultimately lead to tightening of strictures (narrowing) and make movement of foods and drinks to the stomach difficult.
Esophageal cancer more common in men could also follow with untreated acid reflux symptoms ending up in difficult and painful swallowing and weight loss. So changes and worsening conditions of acid reflux should be attended to on priority basis.