There are several serious long-term problems. An esophageal stricture, also known as a narrowing of the esophagus, occurs because of scar tissue building up in the esophagus. As scar tissue builds up the esophagus becomes more and more narrow and makes swallowing difficult.
Another common issue is the development of esophageal ulcers. This is the formation of an open sore in the esophagus that’s caused by acid continually causing damage to the cells. These are both painful, make swallowing hard, and can bleed.
Finally, over time, a person can develop what’s called Barrett’s esophagus. This is the development of precancerous cells that are the result of damage caused by stomach acid.