Esophagitis

Also known as: reflux esophagitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, drug-induced esophagitis, infectious esophagitis.

What is esophagitis?

When the esophagus becomes inflamed, it’s known as esophagitis. It has several different causes and can vary in severity.

What causes esophagitis?

Esophagitis can result due to damage caused by acid reflux over time. An allergic reaction can also cause esophagitis, as can reactions to drugs and bacterial or viral infections in the esophagus.

What are the symptoms of esophagitis?

Abdominal pain, nausea, regurgitation, vomiting, trouble swallowing, food getting stuck, and heartburn are all possible symptoms of esophagitis. On rare occasion, esophagitis may cause narrowing (called strictures) and a food impaction that requires emergency removal.

What are esophagitis care options?

Medications, dietary changes or avoiding the offending medication are all possible treatments for esophagitis. Surgery to repair damage to the esophagus or open up areas of narrowing (strictures) may be necessary in some instances.

Reviewed by: Shifra A Koyfman, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:06 PM