Esophagitis: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is esophagitis. Causes of esophagitis.

Esophagitis is a disorder in which the tube through which you swallow food, which is known as the esophagus, is swollen, sore, and inflamed. The food flows easily and the esophagus is lined in a smooth manner.

The lining may get swollen or inflamed and therefore, swallowing becomes painful or tough. The awareness of this condition can be used to increase awareness and management of this condition by early understanding.

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What Causes Esophagitis?

The esophagus may become irritated due to a number of reasons. Among some of the most prevalent causes, there are:

1. Acid Reflux / GERD

Acid in the stomach may occasionally be retro-esophagedal. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is referred to as this condition. In the long run, this acid may cause irritation of the lining and result in reflux esophagitis which is also one of the most common forms.

2. Infection

The inflammation may be brought about by fungal, viral, or bacterial infections particularly in patients with weak immune systems.

3. Allergic Reactions

Some foods may cause inflammation called eosinophilic esophagitis which is commonly observed in asthmatic or allergic individuals.

4. Medication Irritation

Certain pills may lodge and destroy the lining of the esophagus upon taking them without sufficient amount of water.

5. Physical Injury

Esophageal irritations may also be caused by accidental swallowing of high temperature fluid, high voltage chemicals, or biting food.

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Types of Esophagitis

You may come across terms like erosive esophagitis or grade A esophagitis in medical reports. Here’s what they mean:

● Erosive Esophagitis

When the lining of the esophagus can be seen to be damaged, or contains little breaks or sores (erosions). This has a tendency to be associated with persistent acid reflux.

● Grade A Esophagitis

It is a mild type of Esophagitis in which minor surface level tears can be found in the lining. It has grades of between A and D wherein D is the worst.

The knowledge of the grade assists physicians in making decisions of the appropriate course of treatment.

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Esophagitis Symptoms

Symptoms can vary based on severity, but some common esophagitis symptoms include:

Dysphagia (pain or difficulty swallowing)
The sensation that the food is trapped in the chest or throat.
Burning in the chest.
Sour taste in the mouth
Throat infection or coughing.
Pain in the chest (which appears to be a problem with the heart)
Nausea or loss of appetite

In case the symptoms do not clear in a few days, then a few days later, medical attention is advised.

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GERD with Esophagitis

In cases where the GERD is chronic, the recurrent exposure of the esophagus to acid may destroy the esophageal lining. This is called the GERD with esophagitis. Individuals with the condition tend to get heart burns frequently particularly after eating, lying or sleeping.

Left untreated, GERD may cause chronic complications and therefore should be managed early.

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Esophagitis Treatment Options

Treatment depends on what caused the inflammation. Here are common approaches:

1. Medication

Antacids: Assist in counteracting stomach acid.
PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors): Lessen the secretion of acid and are involved in the healing process. Commonly used as a treatment of reflux and erosive esophagitis.
H2 Blockers: The other acid-reducing medication.
Antibiotics or antifungals: Only in case of infection.

2. Diet & Lifestyle Changes

Do not use spicy, oily and acidic foods (citrus and tomato).
Take small meals rather than big meals.
One should not lie down shortly after eating.
Raise your bed on the side of the head.
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Quit smoking.

3. For Allergy-Based Esophagitis

It is important to determine and prevent trigger foods.
Physicians can either prescribe an anti-inflammatory or elimination diet.

4. Severe Cases

In case the esophagus has narrowed because of long term inflammation, there is a possibility that a medical procedure would be required to expand it.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if:

It becomes painful when swallowing.
You frequently choke on food
Experiences heartburn.
You lose weight and do not understand why.
Pain in the chest is chronic or acute.

The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the sooner a person can heal and avoid complications. Consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

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Final Thoughts

Esophagitis can be a worrying name, yet it can be easily dealt with in case of proper care and changes to the lifestyle. The early identification of symptoms, acid reflux management, and making conscious decisions about what to eat help to preserve the quality of the esophageal lining and enhance the quality of life.

Don’t disregard heartburn or swallowing discomfort that is persistent. It is possible to reduce all the harm that can happen to a patient due to having lost appetite and digestive comfort, just by paying a visit to a healthcare professional in time.

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Address: Thane

Shree Gastroenterology
& Endoscopy Clinic

301, Beauty Arcade, Comrade Rajaram Vishnu Rawool Marg,opp. Pratap Cinema,Khopat, Thane, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400604
Phone: +91 90820 58120 | 83569 16086

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