GERD and bulimia can cause damage to the esophagus, leading to painful swallowing and discomfort. Ingesting harmful chemicals can also cause inflammation and sores, making it difficult to swallow. Treatment includes medication and avoiding triggers. Early treatment is important to prevent permanent damage.
Various conditions can lead to damage to the esophagus, causing painful swallowing and general discomfort. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, often called GERD or acid reflux, is a common cause of damage to the lining of the esophagus. Another condition that can lead to problems in the esophagus is bulimia, as sufferers of this eating disorder regularly force food and stomach acid into their throats. Of course, long-term conditions aren’t the only cause of damage to the esophagus, as ingesting dangerous chemicals can have the same result.
GERD causes stomach acids from the stomach to rise into the esophagus, which usually leads to heartburn. Unfortunately, this condition often goes untreated for years, resulting in damage to the esophagus from stomach acid burning away the lining over time. Most people with GERD get heartburn at least twice a week, and if it continues for years, the result is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, which can be quite painful. The problem can be prevented by staying away from spicy foods, avoiding eating just before bedtime, and eating smaller meals. Severe cases that are not helped by these suggestions may require prescription medication.
Eating disorders are generally bad for the body in general, but bulimia in particular can destroy the lining of the esophagus over time. This is because bulimics force themselves to vomit, resulting in both food and stomach acid entering the esophagus. Like GERD, this can gradually burn the lining and cause discomfort that requires the use of medication in many cases. Unfortunately, even as bulimics recover, they often face permanent damage to their esophagus, especially after years of purging. Those with especially severe cases may not even be able to swallow on their own, which is why early treatment of the problem is often important.
Even those without health conditions or eating disorders can suffer damage to the esophagus, as ingesting harmful chemicals can lead to inflammation of the lining. This can occur when children accidentally consume cleaning supplies, although some adults may also experience it when attempting suicide this way. The lining typically becomes inflamed, dead tissue peels off, and sores form, making it difficult to swallow saliva or food. Severe cases are usually indicated by bloody vomit that contains tissue from the esophagus, inability to speak, and a ringing in the throat. Immediate treatment typically includes medications to control swelling, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection and intravenous fluids to avoid dehydration and malnutrition.
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