Esophagitis refers to the inflammation of the esophagus, which is the canal that connects the mouth to the stomach, leading to the appearance of some symptoms, such as heartburn, bitter taste in the mouth and sore throat, for example. Inflammation of the esophagus can happen due to infections, gastritis and, mainly, gastric reflux, which happens when the acidic content of the stomach comes in contact with the mucosa of the esophagus, provoking its inflammation. Learn more about gastric reflux.
Esophagitis can be classified into 4 main types according to its cause:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis, which is usually due to food allergies or some other toxic substance, leading to an increase in the amount of eosinophils in the blood;
- Medicated esophagitis, which can be developed due to the prolonged contact time of the drug with the lining of the esophagus;
- Reflux esophagitis, in which the acid content of the stomach returns to the esophagus causing its irritation;
- Infection esophagitis, which is the rarest type of esophagitis, but can occur in people who have weakened immune systems due to diseases or age, and is characterized by the presence of bacteria, fungi or viruses in the person's mouth or esophagus.
Regardless of the type of esophagitis, the disease should be treated according to the doctor's recommendation and it may be indicated to use drugs that decrease the acidity of the stomach, for example. Esophagitis is cured when the person follows the medical recommendations and following an adequate diet.
Symptoms of esophagitis
The main symptoms of esophagitis are:
- Heartburn and constant burning, but worsening after meals;
- Bitter taste in the mouth;
- Bad breath;
- Chest pain;
- Sore throat;
- Hoarseness;
- Reflux of a bitter, salty liquid to the throat;
- There may be a small bleeding from the esophagus.
The diagnosis of esophagitis can be made by the gastroenterologist physician based on the symptoms and the result of exams such as high digestive endoscopy with biopsy. Find out how the endoscopy is done and what preparation is needed.
According to the severity and progression of the symptoms, esophagitis can be classified as erosive or non-erosive, which refers to the appearance of lesions in the esophagus that may appear if the inflammation is not identified and treated correctly. Erosive esophagitis usually occurs in more chronic cases of inflammation.
What causes
Causes of esophagitis may be related to:
- A hiatus hernia, which is a pouch that can be formed when a portion of the stomach passes through a hole called the hiatus. Understand hiatal hernia;
- Defect in the valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach;
- Frequent vomiting, as occurs in bulimia. Learn what are the main symptoms of bulimia;
- Ingestion of chemicals unfit for consumption;
- AIDS, which can cause esophagitis both because of the decreased immune system, allowing the occurrence of infections, as well as frequent use of medications;
- Development of infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria;
- Gastritis, which is characterized by inflammation of the stomach walls. See what are the symptoms, causes and treatment of gastritis.
People who are more likely to suffer from esophagitis are those who are overweight, those who consume too much alcohol, and those who have compromised immune systems. Know other diseases that affect the esophagus and how to identify.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of esophagitis should be established by the physician and usually the use of antacids such as Ranitidine and Omeprazole is indicated, as well as an indication of a more adequate diet and changes in lifestyle, such as avoid lying down after meals. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended.
To avoid esophagitis, it is recommended not to lie down after meals, avoid consuming carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages, as well as spicy and fatty foods. If esophagitis is not treated correctly, there may be some complications, such as ulcers in the esophagus, precancerous changes in the esophageal lining, and narrowing of an area of the esophagus, making it difficult to eat solid foods. Know if esophagitis has a cure.
