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Esophagitis
Mild
Esophagitis is inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It can cause painful or difficult swallowing, chest discomfort, heartburn, and sometimes vomiting. Reflux of stomach acid is a common cause, but infections, medicines, allergies, and other conditions can also injure the esophagus.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Esophagitis usually does not require emergency care. Seek prompt assessment for persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or significant chest pain. Severe chest pain, major bleeding, or inability to swallow requires emergency evaluation.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Esophagitis is inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It can cause painful or difficult swallowing, chest discomfort, heartburn, and sometimes vomiting. Reflux of stomach acid is a common cause, but infections, medicines, allergies, and other conditions can also injure the esophagus.
Symptoms 3
Acid Reflux
Difficulty Swallowing
Hoarseness
Causes 1
Esophagitis may result from stomach acid repeatedly flowing into the esophagus, as occurs with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other causes include eosinophilic esophagitis, infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, and irritation from medicines that become lodged in the esophagus. Certain autoimmune or allergic conditions can also contribute. Repeated vomiting and some medical treatments, including radiation to the chest, may damage the esophageal lining.
Inflammation
Risk Factors
Risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, alcohol use, and taking certain medicines without enough water. Medicines such as alendronate, doxycycline, tetracycline, potassium tablets, and vitamin C can irritate the esophagus when they remain in contact with its lining. Vomiting, lying down soon after a large meal, chest radiation, and conditions associated with allergies or immune problems may also increase risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Esophagitis is diagnosed from symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause and severity, tests such as upper endoscopy, imaging, or other studies may be used to look for inflammation, damage, infection, or another condition.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Risk can be reduced by treating acid reflux and following measures that limit irritation of the esophagus
Take tablets and capsules with plenty of water and remain upright rather than lying down immediately after taking medicines
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, and avoid lying down soon after large meals
People with recurrent symptoms should seek medical advice so the underlying cause can be treated
Prevention Guidance
Risk can be reduced by treating acid reflux and following measures that limit irritation of the esophagus. Take tablets and capsules with plenty of water and remain upright rather than lying down immediately after taking medicines. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, and avoid lying down soon after large meals. People with recurrent symptoms should seek medical advice so the underlying cause can be treated.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Soft Foods
Reduce irritation while swallowing.
Oatmeal
Easy to digest and soothing.
Banana
May reduce esophageal irritation.
Boiled Vegetables
Gentle on digestion.
Foods to Avoid
Spicy Foods
May worsen inflammation.
Alcohol
May aggravate symptoms.
Coffee
May increase reflux.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus.
Acid reflux, infections, and certain medicines can cause it.
Heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing are common.
Endoscopy is commonly used for diagnosis.
Managing acid reflux can help prevent it.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.