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What is esophagitis?
Left untreated, esophagitis can lead to changes in the structure and function of the esophagus. Possible complications include: Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture); Rings of abnormal tissue in the lining of the esophagus (esophageal rings); Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the cells lining the esophagus are changed a condition that's a risk factor for esophageal cancer
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as inflammation - esophagus, Esophagitides
esophagitis information from trusted sources:
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: Esophagitis Candida Esophagitis CMV Esophagitis herpes Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation that damages tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that delivers food from your mouth to your stomach. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Esophagitis symptoms, warning signs and treatment information on ...
Mar 11, 2011 ... Esophagitis symptoms include difficult and painful swallowing, heartburn, mouth sores feeling of something stuck in the throat, nausea and ... Read more on
www.medicinenet.com
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 ... Read more on
my.clevelandclinic.org
Esophagitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Esophagitis (or oesophagitis) is inflammation of the esophagus. It may be acute or chronic. The acute esophagitis can be catarrhal or phlegmonous, ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Esophagitis: eMedicine Emergency Medicine
Feb 2, 2009 ... Overview: Esophagitis is a common medical condition usually caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Less frequent causes of esophagitis include ... Read more on
emedicine.medscape.com
Understanding Esophagitis
Mar 1, 2010 ... WebMD looks at the causes and treatments of esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus. Read more on
www.webmd.com
Erosive Esophagitis - Inflammation of the Esophagus - Esophagitis
Nov 17, 2010 ... Esophagitis is a term used to indicate any inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the esophagus. Read more on
heartburn.about.com
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a form of food allergy that causes severe heartburn symptoms, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and food impaction. Read more on
allergies.about.com
Esophagitis definition - Medical Dictionary definitions of popular ...
Mar 12, 2011 ... A Good place to start, Our Esophagitis Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Esophagitis ... Read more on
www.medterms.com
Contents
Causes
Esophagitis is generally categorized by the conditions that cause it. In some cases, more than one factor may be causing esophagitis.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Exams and Tests
The doctor may perform the following tests: Endoscopy ; Upper GI x-ray with barium ; Biopsy
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Lifestyle and home remedies
Depending on the type of esophagitis you have, you may lessen symptoms or avoid recurring problems by following these steps: Avoid food allergens. Read food labels carefully to avoid food to which you have an allergy. Be careful when eating out. Ask about what ingredients are in a dish and how they're prepared.; Avoid foods that may increase reflux. Avoid foods that you know worsen your symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. These may include alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits, tomatoes and spicy foods.; Use good pill-taking habits. Always take a pill with plenty of water. Don't lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a pill.; Lose weight. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate diet...
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www.mayoclinic.com
Medical advice
Outlook (Prognosis)
Possible Complications
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.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Preparing for your appointment
If you're experiencing severe chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or if you suspect you have food lodged in your esophagus, get emergency medical care. If you have other signs or symptoms of esophagitis, you'll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor. For some diagnostic tests, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in digestive system disorders (gastroenterologist) or an allergy specialist (allergist). Preparing for your appointment with your doctor or a specialist will help you make the best use of your time.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Risk factors
Risk factors for esophagitis vary depending on the different causes of the disorder.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of esophagitis include: Difficult swallowing (dysphagia); Painful swallowing (odynophagia); Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating; Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus (food impaction); Nausea; Vomiting; Stomach pain; Regurgitation of saliva (water brash); Decreased appetite
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www.mayoclinic.com
Tests and diagnosis
Your doctor or specialist will likely make a diagnosis based on your answer to questions, a physical exam, and one or more tests. These tests may include: Diagnose a bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection; Determine the concentration of eosinophils, allergy-related white blood cells; Identify abnormal cells that would indicate esophageal cancer or precancerous changes
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www.mayoclinic.com
Treatments and drugs
Interventions for esophagitis are intended to lessen symptoms, manage complications and treat underlying causes of the disorder. Treatment strategies vary primarily based on the cause of the disorder.
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www.mayoclinic.com