Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus caused by stomach acids or other factors. Symptoms include painful swallowing, oral lesions, and heartburn. Treatment depends on the cause and can include medication or antibiotics. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like difficulty swallowing and esophageal scarring, which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Esophagitis refers to swelling or inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the back of the oral cavity or mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis is commonly caused by irritating stomach acids that can migrate into the esophagus as a result of acid reflux disease. In acid reflux disease, the lower esophageal sphincter cannot function effectively to prevent the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus and throat.
Occasionally, other factors, such as ingestion of irritating medications, can contribute to this condition. Excessive or prolonged vomiting, vitamin C supplementation, and chest radiation can also contribute to the disorder. Sometimes, patients who have weakened immune function may encounter esophagitis. In these individuals, the condition is often caused by the presence of an infection. Some infections can predispose the patient to an increase in the inflammatory process, including inflammation of the esophagus.
Typically, symptoms include painful and difficult swallowing, oral lesions, and possibly heartburn. The patient may notice redness and sores at the back of the throat and there may be a strong odor on the breath. Additionally, excessive salivation may be noted because patients with esophagitis are often unable to swallow their own saliva effectively. This is more pronounced in elderly or extremely ill patients.
Generally, treatment depends on what’s causing the condition. If acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is the cause of the disease, the doctor may recommend the use of a drug to reduce or inhibit the production of stomach acid. When less stomach acid is produced, it is less likely to migrate up the esophagus and cause irritation. If an infection is causing inflammation of the esophagus, antibiotics may be prescribed. Often, as the infection resolves, the esophageal inflammation also resolves.
If the symptoms of esophageal inflammation and irritation are not treated, complications can arise. Complications, such as difficulty swallowing, can occur. Difficulty swallowing due to an inflamed esophagus can be so severe that the patient may not be able to eat or drink. This can eventually lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Esophagitis can also contribute to esophageal scarring. Scarring of the esophagus can promote strictures that can severely limit the patient’s ability to swallow medications or food.
Rarely, untreated inflammation of the esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux can contribute to a condition called Barrett’s esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. This condition can predispose the patient to esophageal cancer. Patients suffering from acid reflux disease and chronic heartburn symptoms should receive treatment to reduce the risk of Barrett’s disease and thus reduce the incidence of cancer.
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