Esophagitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Raosaheb Rathod , Gastroenterologists Medical

Causes
Find a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQs
Book an Appointment

1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain, and painful swallowing. It may result from acid reflux, infections, allergies, certain medications, or other underlying conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help relieve symptoms, prevent complications such as ulcers or narrowing of the esophagus, and improve overall digestive health.

What are the Types of Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is classified according to its underlying cause.

Reflux esophagitis caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Eosinophilic esophagitis triggered by an allergic reaction to certain foods or environmental allergens.
Medication-induced esophagitis caused by irritation from medications that remain in the esophagus.
Infectious esophagitis caused by fungal, viral, or bacterial infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Radiation esophagitis develops after radiation therapy to the chest or neck.

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:

Difficulty Swallowing: It may feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest.
Painful Swallowing: A sharp or burning feeling when you swallow.
Heartburn: A burning pain in your chest, usually after eating or at night.
Chest Pain: Often felt behind the breastbone, and sometimes mistaken for heart-related pain.
Acid Reflux: When stomach acid comes back up into your throat.
Sore Throat: Especially if the irritation is near the top of the esophagus.
Feeling Full too Quickly: You might feel like you can't finish your meals.
Nausea or Vomiting: In some cases, the irritation can cause stomach discomfort or lead to throwing up.
Regurgitation: When food or sour-tasting liquid unexpectedly comes back up into your mouth.
Mouth Sores: Especially in severe or infectious types of esophagitis.

Severe Symptoms

In more advanced or untreated cases, symptoms can include:

Food Getting Stuck: You may feel like food doesn't go down all the way (called food impaction).
Bleeding: Blood in vomit or black, tarry stools may be a sign of bleeding in the esophagus.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Due to pain or difficulty eating.
Dehydration: Especially if vomiting or feeding problems continue.

Esophagitis in Babies and Children

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

Refusing to eat or drink
Crying or fussiness during feeding
Arching the back while feeding- A sign of discomfort or pain
Choking cough or gagging during meals
Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
Ongoing irritability or trouble sleeping
Belly or chest pain- Older children may be able to point to where it hurts

What are the Causes of Esophagitis?

Esophagitis develops when the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed due to acid exposure, infections, medications, or allergic reactions.

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Food allergies causing eosinophilic esophagitis.
Medications such as NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, tetracyclines, and potassium supplements.
Fungal infections such as Candida albicans.
Viral infections including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Radiation therapy to the chest.
Caustic chemical ingestion.
Weakened immune system.

When to See a Doctor for Esophagitis?

Esophagitis can worsen over time and lead to complications if left untreated. It is important to consult a gastroenterologist if symptoms such as persistent heartburn, pain while swallowing, or difficulty swallowing occur. Early medical evaluation helps prevent serious damage to the esophagus and ensures appropriate treatment.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Persistent difficulty or pain while swallowing
Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
Chest pain not related to the heart
A feeling of food stuck in the throat
Ongoing nausea or vomiting

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Vomiting blood or black stools
Severe chest pain
Inability to swallow food or liquids
Unexplained rapid weight loss

These may indicate serious complications such as ulcers, strictures, or bleeding that require urgent treatment.

Find Gastroenterologists-medical for Esophagitis Treatment Near You

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:

Identify infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
Check for allergic inflammation by counting certain immune cells called eosinophils
Detect abnormal cells that could suggest cancer or precancerous changes

Additional Tests (if needed)

Esophageal pH monitoring measures acid levels in the esophagus to help diagnose reflux-related esophagitis.
Other specialized tests may be ordered depending on your symptoms and initial results.

What are the Treatment Options for Esophagitis?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers for acid reflux.
Dietary modifications and elimination diets for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Topical corticosteroids for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Antifungal, antiviral, or antibiotic medications for infectious esophagitis.
Stopping or changing medications that caused irritation, when appropriate.
Lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and remaining upright after eating.
Endoscopic dilation if significant narrowing of the esophagus develops.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Esophagitis Doctors Today

What Are the Risk Factors of Esophagitis?

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

Pregnancy
Smoking
Obesity or carrying extra weight
Frequent consumption of certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate, fatty meals, or spicy foods
Taking certain medications like NSAIDs (pain relievers), nitrates, or beta blockers
Radiation treatment to the chest area, often for cancer
Swallowing medications improperly, such as taking pills without enough water or choking on tablets
Having scleroderma, a condition that affects the muscles and tissues in the esophagus
Multiple allergies, especially food allergies

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.

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:

Esophageal Ulcers: Ongoing irritation can cause open sores (ulcers) in the lining of your esophagus. These can be painful and may bleed. In rare cases, a deep ulcer can lead to a hole in the esophagus, which is a medical emergency.
Narrowing of the Esophagus (Stricture): Long-term inflammation can cause scar tissue to form. This scar tissue can make your esophagus narrow, making it harder to swallow food or liquids. You might feel like food is getting stuck in your throat.
Barrett's Esophagus: If acid keeps coming up into the esophagus (like with chronic acid reflux), the cells in the lining can change. This condition is called Barrett's esophagus. It can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer over time.
Bleeding: Inflamed or damaged tissue in the esophagus can bleed. This might show up as black or bloody vomit, or dark stools. If you notice this, see a doctor right away.
Trouble Eating or Drinking: Pain or difficulty swallowing can lead to eating less, which may cause weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration.
Tears in the Esophagus: In rare cases, severe vomiting or a medical procedure can cause small tears in the esophagus, especially if it's already inflamed. This can cause chest pain or bleeding and needs quick medical attention.

What is the Recovery Process for Esophagitis?

Recovery depends on the cause and severity of the inflammation. Most people recover well with appropriate treatment, lifestyle modifications, and management of the underlying condition.

Symptoms often improve within a few weeks of treatment.
Following prescribed medications promotes healing of the esophageal lining.
Avoiding trigger foods and irritants helps prevent recurrence.
Managing GERD or allergies supports long-term recovery.
Regular follow-up may be recommended for chronic or recurrent esophagitis.
Healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes improve long-term esophageal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How common is esophagitis?

Esophagitis is relatively common, especially among people with GERD, weakened immune systems, or who take certain medications. It affects both adults and children.

2. Is esophagitis the same as GERD?

No, GERD is a chronic acid reflux condition, while esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. GERD is one of the causes of esophagitis, but not the only one.

3. Can lifestyle changes help manage Esophagitis?

Yes, eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, staying upright after eating, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and elevating the head of the bed can help reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence.

4. How long does esophagitis last?

With treatment and dietary changes, mild esophagitis may improve in a few days to weeks. Severe or chronic cases may take longer and need more intensive care.

5. What foods are good for esophagitis?

Eat soft, non-acidic foods like oatmeal, bananas, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and lean meats. Avoid citrus, tomato-based dishes, caffeine, and spicy meals.