Swallowing problems, such as pain or difficulty, could signify a deeper issue related to how the esophagus functions, especially if there is chronic reflux involved.

Chronic reflux can have a significant impact on the esophagus, particularly where it meets the stomach. With an increasing occurrence of reflux, a serious condition known as "metaplasia"—also known as Barrett’s esophagus—can develop.

• Chronic reflux causes esophageal cells to change.
• These cells start resembling those within the stomach.
• Such cellular changes are known as "metaplasia."
• This eventually evolves into Barrett’s esophagus.

The misalignment between the esophagus and stomach cells under chronic reflux must not be underestimated. Under lichronic reflux conditions, these disparate tissues, which are different by design, start morphing due to backward flow issues.

Things should be going this way and not going backwards, so when we have chronic reflux, these cells start to look very alike to these cells, they change, that's called "metaplasia."

As Barrett’s esophagus potentially progresses, it carries the risk of evolving into cancer. A significant symptom to watch out for is any new or worsening pain or difficulty when swallowing.

Barrett’s esophagus can start growing because of a tumor and it can convert into a cancer.