Esophagitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Santosh M Narayankar , Gastroenterologists

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Esophagitis is a condition where the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed or irritated. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach.

When this lining becomes swollen or damaged, it can cause pain, especially when swallowing. People with esophagitis may feel a burning sensation in the chest, discomfort while eating, or even food getting stuck.

This condition can result from acid reflux, infections, certain medications, or allergic reactions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid complications like scarring or narrowing of the esophagus.

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What Is Esophagitis?

Esophagitis (pronounced uh-sof-uh-JY-tis) means inflammation of the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach.

The inflammation happens when the tissue lining the esophagus becomes irritated, swollen, or damaged. This can be caused by:

Common symptoms include:

If left untreated, esophagitis can lead to more serious issues like ulcers, strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), and long-term swallowing problems.

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What Are the Different Types of Esophagitis?

Esophagitis can be caused by many different things, so doctors divide it into several types based on the cause. Some types happen when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Others are caused by allergies, infections, certain medications, or cancer treatments like radiation.

Each type affects the esophagus in a different way and may need a different kind of treatment. Knowing the type of esophagitis you have can help your doctor choose the best way to treat it and prevent future problems.

Below are the main types of esophagitis, explained in simple terms to help you understand what’s going on and how it can be managed.

Reflux Esophagitis

This is the most common type. It happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This is often caused by a condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Over time, the acid irritates and damages the lining of your esophagus, causing pain, heartburn, and trouble swallowing. Other causes can include bile reflux or frequent vomiting.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

This type is related to allergies or immune system reactions. It happens when a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the esophagus and causes swelling.

It’s more common in people with food allergies, asthma, eczema, or hay fever. Common triggers include:

This type is especially seen in children and can make eating difficult or uncomfortable.

Drug-Induced Esophagitis (Pill Esophagitis)

This happens when certain medications irritate the esophagus, especially if not taken with enough water. Pills may get stuck and cause damage to the lining.

Medications that can cause this include:

Infectious Esophagitis

This is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the esophagus. It’s more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with:

Common infections include:

Radiation Esophagitis

This can happen after radiation therapy to the chest, neck, or throat, especially when used to treat cancer. Radiation can damage the lining of the esophagus, causing pain and swelling. In most cases, the irritation is temporary, but sometimes it can become long-lasting.

Autoimmune Esophagitis

In rare cases, other autoimmune diseases (when the body attacks itself by mistake) can cause inflammation in the esophagus. These include:

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What Are the Symptoms of Esophagitis?

The symptoms of esophagitis ulcers can range from mild to severe and may feel different depending on the cause. In most cases, the esophagus becomes sore or irritated, which can make eating or swallowing uncomfortable.

Common Symptoms of Esophagitis in Adults and Teens

Most people with esophagitis notice problems when they eat or swallow. You might feel:

Severe Symptoms

In more advanced or untreated cases, symptoms can include:

Esophagitis in Babies and Children

Young children can’t always describe how they’re feeling, so signs of esophagitis may look different. Watch for:

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What Are the Causes of Esophagitis?

Esophagitis occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed. This inflammation can result from a variety of causes, ranging from physical injury to immune system reactions. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment, as esophagitis can present in different forms based on its origin.

Common Causes of Esophagitis

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

One of the most common causes, GERD, occurs when stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus, irritating its lining.

Medications

Some pills can hurt your esophagus, especially if you take them without enough water. Examples include:

Infections

Esophageal infections are more likely in individuals with weakened immune systems. These infections may be caused by:

Allergic Reactions (Eosinophilic Esophagitis)

Caused by a reaction to certain foods or allergens. It’s more common in people with asthma, eczema, or seasonal allergies.

Autoimmune Conditions

Rare autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or Behçet’s disease, can cause esophageal inflammation.

Physical or Chemical Injury

Injury from ingesting corrosive substances (like cleaning products) or from swallowing large pills can damage the esophageal lining.

Vomiting or Surgery

Frequent or forceful vomiting and complications from esophageal or gastric surgery can also irritate the esophagus.

Radiation Therapy

Patients receiving radiation to the chest or neck (e.g., for cancer treatment) may develop radiation-induced esophagitis.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia can exacerbate acid reflux, contributing to esophageal irritation and inflammation.

What Are the Risk Factors of Esophagitis?

You may be at higher risk for developing esophagitis if you experience any of the following:

Being aware of these risk factors can help you take precautions and talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your chances of developing esophagitis.

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How Is Esophagitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose esophagitis, your healthcare provider will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam. If needed, they may order one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis and find out what’s causing the inflammation.

Common Tests Used to Diagnose Esophagitis

Upper Endoscopy

The doctor gently passes a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera down your throat into your esophagus. This lets them see if your esophagus is irritated or damaged. They may also take small tissue samples (called biopsies) to check under a microscope.

Esophageal Sponge Test

This test is less invasive than an endoscopy. You swallow a small capsule attached to a string. Once it reaches your stomach, the capsule dissolves and releases a sponge. The doctor pulls the sponge back up to collect cells from your esophagus. These cells are tested to check for inflammation or infection.

Barium Swallow X-ray (Upper GI Series)

You drink a special liquid with barium that coats your esophagus. X-rays are taken to look for problems like narrowing, swelling, or other changes.

Laboratory Tests on Biopsy Samples

Tissue samples taken during endoscopy may be sent to a lab to:

Additional Tests (if needed)

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What Are the Treatment Options for Esophagitis?

The treatment you need depends on the cause of your esophagitis. The main goals are to reduce your symptoms, heal the esophagus, and prevent any complications that could affect your eating or overall health.

Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on what is irritating or damaging your esophagus. This may involve medications, lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, or sometimes procedures or surgery.

Treatment for Reflux Esophagitis (Caused by Acid Reflux)

Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (Allergy-Related)

Treatment for Medicine-Induced Esophagitis

Treatment for Infectious Esophagitis

Antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungal medications are used depending on whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi are causing the infection.

Treating Complications

If your esophagus becomes very narrow or food gets stuck, your doctor can gently stretch it using special tools during an endoscopy to improve swallowing.

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When to See a Esophagitis Doctor?

Esophagitis is the inflammation or irritation of the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. It can make swallowing painful or difficult and may be caused by acid reflux, infections, medications, or allergies.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

If symptoms last more than a few days, or if you’re unable to eat or drink properly, seek medical attention. People with weakened immune systems or chronic acid reflux (GERD) are at a higher risk of complications and should not ignore symptoms.

What Are the Complications of Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is usually treatable, especially when caught early. But if it’s left untreated or becomes severe, it can lead to serious health problems. These complications can affect how well you eat, swallow, and even increase your risk for certain long-term conditions.

Here are some possible complications to watch out for:

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What are the Prevention of Esophagitis?

The preventive measures of esophagitis include:

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Dos and Don’ts In Esophagitis?

If you have esophagitis, eating, drinking, and swallowing can be painful and uncomfortable. While the esophagus often heals on its own, making a few changes to your diet can really help reduce irritation and ease symptoms.

Avoiding certain foods and choosing gentler options gives your esophagus time to heal and makes eating less of a struggle. It also helps prevent food from getting stuck or causing more damage.

Here’s a simple list of do’s and don’ts to help you feel better while your esophagus heals:

Try to avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime.Eat citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits that are acidic and can harm the esophagus.

The treatment of esophagitis involves taking medicines and adapting to good lifestyle habits. Precautions and self-care will help to fight this condition positively and improve your quality of life.

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Our Experience Treating Esophagitis at Medicover

At Medicover, we provide expert care for people experiencing symptoms of esophagitis. Our skilled team of gastroenterologists uses advanced tools to diagnose the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.

We offer:

Whether your symptoms are due to reflux, medication side effects, or another condition, we work with you closely to provide relief and protect your esophagus.

At Medicover, our goal is to ease your discomfort and support your full recovery, so you can eat, drink, and live more comfortably.