Esophagitis
Definition of Esophagitis
Esophagitis is a general term for any inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus, the tube that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach.
See also:
Alternative Names for Esophagitis
Inflammation - esophagus
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Esophagitis is frequently caused by the backflow of acid-containing fluid from the stomach to the esophagus, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux. An autoimmune disorder called eosinophilic esophagitis also causes this condition.
The following increase your risk of esophagitis:
- Excessive vomiting
- Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, potassium, alendronate, tetracycline, and doxycycline
- Vitamin C supplements
- Surgery or radiation to the chest (for example, treatment for lung cancer)
Persons with weakened immune systems due to HIV and certain medications (such as corticosteroids) may develop infections that lead to esophagitis.
Esophageal infection may be due to fungi, yeast (especially Candida infections), or viruses such as herpes or cytomegalovirus.
Symptoms of Esophagitis
The infection or irritation may cause the tissues to become inflamed and occasionally form ulcers. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Oral lesions (herpes)
Signs and tests
The doctor may perform the following tests:
Treatment of Esophagitis
Treatment depends on the specific cause. Reflux disease may require medications to reduce acid. Infections will require antibiotics.
Support Groups for Esophagitis
Expectations (prognosis) for Esophagitis
The disorders that cause esophagitis usually respond to treatment.
Complications of Esophagitis
If untreated, esophagitis may cause severe discomfort, swallowing difficulty to the extent of causing malnutrition or dehydration, and eventual scarring of the esophagus. This scarring may lead to a stricture of the esophagus, and food or medications may not be able to pass through to the stomach.
A condition called Barrett's esophagus can develop after years of gastroesophageal reflux. Rarely, Barrett's esophagus may lead to cancer of the esophagus.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of esophagitis.
Prevention of Esophagitis
References for Esophagitis
Maish M. Esophagus.In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap.41.
Orlando R. Diseases of the Esophagus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap.140.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Sign Up for Free Newsletters
Ask Your Doctor the RIGHT Questions!
the most from your doctor visit.
Emailed right to you!
Explore Original Articles About...
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Videos
- Top Searches
- 1. Diabetes and Insomnia
- 2. Finding the Right Rheumatologist
- 3. The 5 Best Core Exercises
- 4. Could Rye Be Better than Whole Grain?
- 5. 4 Unusual Allergies
- 6. The Benefits of Sexercise
- 7. OJ for Heart Health?
- 8. Overweight? Blame Your Kitchen
- 9. The Truth about Teeth Whiteners
- 10. 6 Sex Mistakes Women Make





