Esophagitis

Further Information

• Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
• YourDigestiveHealth.ca

Interactive Learning

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus (swallowing tube). In most people, this is caused by the digestive juices in the stomach, repeatedly moving upwards into the lower esophagus (acid reflux).

Symptoms

Sufferers may experience a burning sensation in the lower chest immediately after swallowing hot fluids, alcohol, concentrated fruit juice or hot fatty foods, such as bacon and eggs.

Similar discomfort may be felt after meals, particularly when bending or lying down. Food or fluid may come up into the mouth (regurgitation), especially when lying down in bed at night. If this is severe, the sufferer may wake up coughing, wheezing, or with a choking sensation.

In severe cases, the lining of the esophagus may become ulcerated, leading to pain and possible narrowing due to scarring. A person with esophagitis may then experience difficulty swallowing, first solid foods then even more liquid foods.

Treatment

Over-the-counter drugs (antacids and H₂-receptor antagonists) may be beneficial for some patients with episodic heartburn. Mild but frequent or bothersome symptoms can be treated with prescription acid-reducing drugs and proton-pump inhibitors, which reduce, or actually stop, the production of acid in the stomach.

Drug treatment is often only needed for a short period, although it usually needs to be re-prescribed. Prokinetic agents, which can enhance the normal movements of the esophagus, increasing the emptying of the stomach, can also be prescribed and may be helpful.