Other Respiratory Conditions. In addition to asthma, people with GERD appear to have an above-average risk for a number of respiratory disorders. These include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia. It is not yet known whether treatment of GERD would also reduce the risk for these respiratory conditions. One study reported that such spasms may cause sleep apnea in adults.
Patients often experience restless sleep, morning headaches, and afternoon drowsiness.
In time, they are at higher risk for high blood pressure. Dental Problems Dental erosion is a very common problem in GERD patients due to the acid backing up into the mouth and eroding enamel in the teeth. Stretching procedures or surgery may be required to restore normal swallowing. Paradoxically, strictures may actually improve other GERD symptoms by helping to prevent acid from traveling up the esophagus. GERD in Infants and Children Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, as in adults, is usually mild, causing only frequent spitting up.