Have you ever felt like your throat is stuck or your chest is burning when you swallow food? While many of us think this is normal, it could be a sign of a condition that needs attention. Esophagitis is one such condition. So today, let's talk about what Esophagitis is, why it occurs, and what we should do about it.
Simply put, what is Esophagitis?
Esophagitis, simply put, is an inflammation or swelling of the lining of the esophagus , the tube that carries food from our throat to our stomach. Just as our skin becomes red and swollen when we get injured, the esophagus can become damaged in this way for a variety of reasons. If this condition is not treated properly, it can lead to serious problems such as difficulty swallowing, ulcers, and scarring of the esophagus.
There are several main types of esophagitis.
Esophagitis can be divided into several types depending on the cause of this condition.
| Type of esophagitis | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Reflux Esophagitis | This is the most common type. It occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach flow up into the esophagus. We usually call this condition (GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) . The stomach acids are very strong and damage the delicate lining of the esophagus. |
| Eosinophilic Esophagitis | This is related to allergies. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. These cells accumulate in the airways and cause swelling due to an allergy. This can be caused by things like milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, and seafood. |
| Drug-induced Esophagitis | Some medications can stay in the esophagus for a long time if swallowed without drinking water. The chemicals in those medications can then damage the esophagus. Examples of this include painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen), some antibiotics, and bone-strengthening medications. |
| Infectious Esophagitis | This condition can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer, HIV/AIDS patients). A common cause is the uncontrolled growth of a fungus called Candida albicans, which is normally found in our mouths. |
| Radiation Esophagitis | When receiving radiation therapy for cancer, if the radiation passes through the esophagus, it can damage the esophagus and cause this condition. |
What are the symptoms of this condition?
A person with esophagitis may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing food or feeling pain when swallowing
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Chest pain (especially after eating)
- Nausea and vomiting
The most important thing is, if you have these symptoms for more than a few days, don't ignore them thinking, "This might just be gastritis," and see a doctor immediately .
What if this happens to young children?
Young children and babies may show different symptoms than adults if they develop this condition.
- Reluctance to eat, squirming or leaning back when fed
- Not gaining weight
- Older children may report chest or stomach pain.
How is Esophagitis diagnosed?
When you go to the doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Then, they may order one or more of these tests to confirm the diagnosis.
1. Upper Endoscopy: This involves inserting a flexible tube with a small camera through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine. This can clearly see things like swelling and ulcers in the esophagus.
2. Biopsy: During the endoscopy, a very small piece of tissue from the esophagus is taken and sent for examination under a microscope. This can help pinpoint the cause of the disease (e.g., allergies, infections).
3. Barium Swallow: This is an X-ray test. You drink a liquid called barium and then several X-ray pictures are taken. Because the barium liquid coats the inside of the esophagus, changes in the shape of the esophagus, such as blockages, are clearly visible on the X-ray.
What are the treatments?
Treatment depends on what type of esophagitis you have.
- For Reflux Esophagitis: Your doctor will prescribe medications that reduce stomach acid production (e.g., Omeprazole, Lansoprazole) and medications that prevent acid from coming back up. In some cases, surgery may be performed to strengthen the valve between the stomach and esophagus.
- For Eosinophilic Esophagitis: It is important to identify and avoid foods that cause allergies (elimination diet). Also, steroids are given as a liquid to swallow to reduce swelling.
- For Drug-Induced Esophagitis: The best treatment for this is to eliminate the cause. Drink a large glass of water while taking your medication . Also, sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication. Your doctor may decide to change your medication or give you a liquid.
- For Infectious Esophagitis: Specific medications are given that work against the causative infection (fungal, viral, or bacterial).
Important: Do not try any herbal or alternative treatments without consulting your doctor. Some things can make your condition worse.
What can we do to prevent this situation?
These habits will help a lot in preventing esophagitis and controlling its recurrence.
- Reduce spicy, oily, and acidic foods. It's also a good idea to limit things like chocolate, mint, and coffee.
- Don't sleep immediately after eating. Eat dinner 2-3 hours before going to bed.
- Chew food thoroughly and swallow in small pieces.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. These directly damage the esophagus.
- Control your weight. Being overweight can increase pressure in the stomach and cause acid to come up.
- Keep the head of the bed elevated about 6-8 inches. This can be done by placing something like a block of wood under the legs of the bed. Placing a lot of pillows will not achieve this effect.
When to seek immediate medical advice
In addition to common symptoms, there are some situations where you should seek immediate treatment.
| Seek medical advice. | |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, see a doctor. | |
| |
| If you have these symptoms, seek treatment immediately (go to the ETU). | |
|
Take-Home Message
- Don't ignore symptoms like chest pain and difficulty swallowing as "normal." They could be a sign of esophagitis.
- Since there are a number of causes for this condition, it is essential to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
- With proper treatment and simple lifestyle changes, this condition can be well controlled and serious complications can be prevented.
- Always talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking and the correct way to take them.
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