Esophagitis: Overview
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophageal lining that can harm the body tissues as well. The esophagus is responsible for carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. Chest discomfort and painful, difficult swallowing (dysphagia) are some symptoms of esophagitis. Esophagitis can be brought on by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), infections, oral medicines, and allergies.
Esophagitis treatment is based on the underlying cause and amount of tissue damage. It can harm the lining of the esophagus and prevent it from transporting food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach if left untreated.
Types of Esophagitis
Types of Esophagitis include:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Reflux esophagitis
- Drug-induced esophagitis
- Infectious esophagitis
Symptoms of Esophagitis
Symptoms of esophagitis include:
- Bad breath
- A feeling of food getting stuck while swallowing
- Difficult and painful swallowing
- Pain in the middle of the chest
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or indigestion
When to see a doctor?
Esophagitis is rarely a dangerous condition, but some of its symptoms might indicate a more serious illness, including a heart attack. If the above esophagitis symptoms are troubling you then consult your primary healthcare provider. The doctor will suggest a few tests and if esophagitis is there then you will be referred to a gastroenterologist for further treatment.
Causes
A variety of conditions can bring on esophagitis, and multiple factors might sometimes contribute to the disease. These consist of:
- GERD Reflux esophagitis is the most prevalent cause of GERD. A lower esophageal sphincter muscle ring at the lower end of the esophagus prevents stomach acids from rising back up into the esophagus.
- AllergiesSome allergies might lead to an allergic response that results in eosinophilic esophagitis. An eosinophil is a white blood cell, and eosinophils produce inflammation in the esophagus tube when there is an allergic response or an infection.
- Medication Esophagitis, also known as drug-induced esophagitis, can be caused by various medications. Inflammation may result from prolonged medication interaction with the esophageal lining or swallowing a big tablet that irritates the lining. This may occur if tablets are taken with less water.
- InfectionsPeople with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop infectious esophagitis. It can be brought on by viral illnesses like herpes simplex or cytomegalovirus or fungal infections like candida. A skilled physician can locate the infection's origins with endoscopy.
Risk Factors
You may be at risk for esophagitis unrelated to an infection if you:
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive use of alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate, fatty meals, or spicy foods
- Take certain medications, such as NSAIDs, nitrates, and beta blockers to alleviate pain.
- Have undergone radiation treatment for a chest tumour
- Swallowing medication with insufficient water or choke on a tablet.
- Have scleroderma
- Have many allergies, especially to certain foods
Complications
If left untreated, the esophagitis caused by GERD can result in bleeding, ulcers, and long-term scarring. The oesophageal tube might eventually get narrowed due to this scarring, making it difficult to swallow.
The development of Barrett's esophagus, which raises the risk of oesophageal cancer, seriously affects many people with chronic or long-term GERD. Malnutrition and difficult or painful swallowing might result from severe esophagitis.
Prevention
The preventive measures of esophagitis include:
- Dietary and lifestyle modifications may help avoid esophagitis due to GERD.
- Good dental hygiene can prevent candida yeast-induced esophagitis.
- Take all medications upright with lots of water.
Diagnosis
Before starting a diagnostic test, the doctor will complete a physical examination and review the medical history. Esophagitis can be diagnosed using a variety of tests, including:
- EndoscopyEndoscopy This procedure gives a clear view of the esophagus by using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and a camera at the end.
- Barium X-raysThese X-rays are performed after ingesting a barium solution. The esophageal lining is coated with this particular dye, which makes it appear white on an X-ray and helps obtain a clear image of the esophagus tube.
- BiopsyBiopsy A biopsy is an invasive operation typically performed during an endoscopy to allow microscopic examination of the inflammatory tissue.
- CultureA sample of a potentially infected area is taken to identify which specific microorganisms could be causing an infection.
Treatment
The esophagitis treatment includes:
- Esophagitis caused by an infection is treated through medications like antibiotics.
- If GERD causes esophagitis, it is treated with medicines that reduce or prevent acid production, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers for heartburn (PPIs).
- If a medical procedure results in esophagitis, it may require long-term use of acid-blocking drugs.
- Some patients may require a change of medications if drug consumption is leading to esophagitis. Talk to your doctor before quitting or switching medications
- Endoscopy can remove food particles, pill fragments, or foreign objects stuck in the esophagus.
- Surgery is required to remove any damaged esophageal tissue. Surgery may be the best option for Barrett's esophagus because of the high risk of malignancy.
- Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis includes mild esophageal stretching and medications that reduce the number of white blood cells in the esophageal lining.
- When oral drugs fail to relieve symptoms, esophageal stretching may be used to treat achalasia.
Dos and Don’ts
If you have esophagitis, eating, drinking, and swallowing can be extremely uncomfortable. The esophagus will often heal on its own, but in the meantime, it might be beneficial to stay away from irritating foods and slightly change the diet. The correct diet helps to make eating less uncomfortable and prevent food from sticking around and irritating the esophagus. The below do’s, and don’ts can help patients to avoid discomfort and help relieve the symptoms of the condition.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Stop smoking | Bend over or lie down after eating |
| Eat small meals slowly | Wear tight clothes around your chest and stomach |
| Lose weight if you are overweight | Drink alcohol or drinks that have caffeine |
| Stick to low-fat foods and protein | Eat deep-fried and spicy foods |
| 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.
Esophagitis Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover hospitals, we have the best team of gastroenterologists and surgeons who collaborate to provide the best possible esophagitis disease treatment. Our highly qualified staff treats various diseases and conditions using the most up-to-date medical instruments, techniques, and technology. We use a multidisciplinary approach to treat esophagitis and respond to their health requirements for a quicker and more complete recovery.
