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Esophagitis

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Esophagus and stomach anatomy
Esophagus and stomach anatomy
Esophagus
Esophagus

Alternative names    Return to top

Inflammation - esophagus

Definition    Return to top

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.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Esophagitis is frequently caused by backflow of acid-containing fluid from the stomach to the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux). It may also be caused by excessive vomitng, surgery, and medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, potassium, alendronate, and doxycycline.

In patients with weakened immune systems caused by HIV and certain medications (such as corticosteroids), esophagitis may be caused by an infection of the esophagus. Esophageal infection may be caused by viruses such as herpes or cytomegalovirus, and fungi or yeast (especially Candida infections).

The infection or irritation may cause the tissues to become inflamed and can occasionally cause ulcers. There may also be difficulty when swallowing, and a burning sensation in the esophagus.

Related topics:

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

The doctor may perform the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Reflux disease may require medications to reduce acid. Infections will require antibiotics.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

The disorders that cause esophagitis usually respond to treatment.

Complications    Return to top

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    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms that suggest esophagitis.

Update Date: 7/16/2004

Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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