Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the lower end of the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube leading to the stomach). In most people, this is caused by the digestive juices in the stomach repeatedly moving upwards into the lower esophagus (this is called acid reflux).
Doctors know that in Western countries, 40% of adults may experience heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD. Half of the patients who have GERD also have esophagitis.
- In most people, esophagitis is caused by the digestive juices in the stomach, repeatedly moving upwards into the lower esophagus (called acid reflux).
- The condition may be due to an abnormal working of the esophagus (where it enters the stomach) since it can normally squeeze itself together to act as a shut-off valve or tap.
- It can occur in some people when the stomach does not empty quickly enough and becomes overfilled with digestion contents.
For most people with esophagitis, the discomfort and other symptoms may result in a poor quality of life and decreased productivity with regard to activities and work.
- Sufferers may experience a burning sensation in the lower chest immediately after swallowing hot fluids, alcohol, concentrated fruit juice or hot fatty foods, such as bacon and eggs.
- Similar discomfort may be felt after meals, particularly on stooping or lying down.
- Food or fluid may come up into the mouth (regurgitation), especially when lying down or in bed at night. If this is severe, the sufferer may wake up coughing or with a choking sensation.
- In severe cases, the lining of the esophagus may become ulcerated, leading to pain and possible narrowing due to scarring. A person with esophagitis may then experience difficulty swallowing, first solid foods and then even more, liquid foods.
- In people with esophagitis, there may be an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.
The symptoms of GERD are similar in people with and without esophagitis. Heartburn, the most common symptom, may last several weeks, months, or longer if not treated and can re-occur. Drug treatment to provide freedom from heartburn and heal esophagitis is often only needed for a short period, although it usually needs to be re-prescribed.
Most people who go to their doctor with symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation will be diagnosed as having GERD. The doctor will only know whether esophagitis is present if there has been an investigation (an endoscopy), which shows that the lining of the esophagus is affected. However, the medications used in the treatment of esophagitis are the same as those recommended for GERD without esophagitis: - Proton pump inhibitors, which reduce the production of acid in the stomach by acting on cells in the stomach wall that make acid and release it into the stomach.
- Acid suppressants, such as histamine2-receptor antagonists (blockers). Histamine is a chemical released in the body under different conditions, but particularly during inflammation. In the stomach, it can release more acid, so blocking this reduces acid production.
- Prokinetic agents, which work by increasing the ability of the stomach to empty.
Drug treatment is often only needed for a short period, although it usually needs to be re-prescribed. Medication that can enhance the normal swallowing movements of the esophagus can also be prescribed and can be helpful. Any medical information on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Click here for more important information. |