A 42 year old man recently diagnosed with asthma continues to cough despite starting an inhaler. At a subsequent visit, during a review of systems, he said he notices he gets heartburn 4-5 evenings a week but denies dysphagia or weight loss. His height is 70 inches, weight 256 lbs, his lungs are CTA, abdomen is obese, normal bowel sounds, no hepatosplenomegaly, and no pain with light palpation. Stool sample negative for occult blood. He was diagnosed with GERD and advised to lose 70 lbs.
Why is it important to know if he has any blood in his stools? If he was not treated for his reflux and it progressed, what could he develop?
