Esophagitis
What is esophagitis?
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that
connects the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this condition can become
very uncomfortable, causing difficulty in swallowing and ulcers or scarring of
the esophagus. In rare instances, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus may
develop, which is a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus.
What causes esophagitis?
Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation in the esophagus. An
infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or diseases that weaken the
immune system. Irritation can be caused by any of the following:
- A backflow of acid fluid from the stomach to the esophagus (GERD)
- Vomiting
- Surgery
- Medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories
- Hital hernias
What are the symptoms of esophagitis?
Symptoms of esophagitis include:
- Difficult and/or painful swallowing
- Heartburn
- Acid regurgitation
If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care
provider as soon as possible.
How is esophagitis diagnosed?
Once your doctor has performed a thorough physical examination and reviewed
your medical history, there are several tests that can be used to diagnose
esophagitis. These include:
- Endoscopy: A test in which a long, flexible lighted
tube called an endoscope is used to look at the esophagus
- Biopsy: During this test, a small sample of the
esophageal tissue is removed and then sent to a laboratory to be
examined under a microscope.
- Barium x-ray: During this procedure, x-rays are
taken of the esophagus after the patient drinks a barium
solution. Barium coats the lining of the esophagus and shows up
white on an x-ray. This characteristic enables doctors to view
any abnormalities.
How is esophagitis treated?
Treatment for esophagitis depends on its cause. While medications that block
acid production may be recommended, other medications may be prescribed for
infectious causes of esophagitis. To treat pain brought on by esophagitis, your doctor may give you an analgesic to gargle
with and then swallow.
While being treated for esophagitis, there are certain steps you can take to
help limit any discomfort that you may feel. These include:
- Avoiding spicy foods such as those with pepper, chili
powder, curry and nutmeg
- Avoiding hard foods such as nuts, crackers, and raw
vegetables
- Avoiding acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes,
oranges, grapefruits and their juices. Instead, try nectars and
imitation fruit drinks with vitamin C
- Including more soft foods such as applesauce, cooked
cereals, mashed potatoes, custards, puddings and high protein
shakes in your diet
- Taking small bites and chewing your food thoroughly
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
What is the prognosis for esophagitis?
The causes of esophagitis usually respond to treatment, however some causes,
such as acid reflux, may require long-term treatment.
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Copyright 1995-2006 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
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