Is gerd dangerous?

Unlikely: Gerd is potentially dangerous if it causes damage to the esophagus, and the esophagus heals in a fashion that changes the normal esophageal cells to small inestimal cells. If these new cells become abnormal, they have a small chance to become cancerous years down the road. The damage can also heal so much it narrows the esophagus. Both however are very unlikely, but unpredictable.

GERD: Common complications of untreated gerd are strictures of the esophagus. Less common is barrett's esophagus and malignant transformation into cancer. Smoking increases the risk of the latter in particular.

R/O GERD: YES IT CAN CAUSE BARRETS ESOPHAGUS AND POTENTIALLY CANCER: GERD SX can be vague NAUEA/BLOATING /HEART BURN. Or Severe PAIN//REFLUX/LARYNGITS/COUGH You need a history and physical. Labs including Hpylori Ab Ig G and M. Stool for hpylori x 3. I usually start with Zantac (ranitidine) 300mg. If symptoms have been longer than 8-10 weeks an endoscopy is warranted, while work up is in progress Stay Gluten Free.