Learn About Esophagitis
Esophagitis is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus becomes swollen, inflamed, or irritated. The esophagus is the tube that leads from your mouth to the stomach. It is also called the food pipe.
Inflammation - esophagus; Erosive esophagitis; Ulcerative esophagitis; Eosinophilic esophagitis
Esophagitis is often caused by stomach fluid that flows back into the food pipe. The fluid contains acid, which irritates the esophageal lining. This problem is called gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). An autoimmune and allergic disorder called eosinophilic esophagitis also causes this condition.
The following increase your risk for esophagitis:
- Alcohol use
- Cigarette smoking
- Surgery or radiation to the chest (for example, treatment for lung cancer)
- Taking certain medicines such as alendronate, doxycycline, ibandronate, risedronate, tetracycline, potassium tablets, and vitamin C, without drinking plenty of water
- Vomiting
- Lying down after eating a large meal
- Obesity
People who have a weakened immune system may develop infections. Infections may lead to swelling of the food pipe. Infection may be due to:
- Fungi or yeast (most often Candida)
- Viruses, such as herpes or cytomegalovirus
The infection or irritation may cause the food pipe to become inflamed. Sores called ulcers may form.
Symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
Treatment depends on the cause. Common treatment options are:
- Medicines that reduce stomach acid in case of reflux disease
- Antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals to treat different infections
- Medicines and diet changes to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
- Medicines to coat the lining of the food pipe to treat damage related to pills
You should stop taking medicines that damage the lining of the esophagus. Take your pills with plenty of water. Avoid lying down immediately after taking the pill.
Joshua Wechsler is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and a Gastroenterologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Wechsler is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophagitis. His top areas of expertise are Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Esophagitis, Eosinophilic Enteropathy, Endoscopy, and Tissue Biopsy.
The Metrohealth System
Ronnie Fass is a Gastroenterologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Fass is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophagitis. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Heartburn, Esophagitis, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Endoscopy. Dr. Fass is currently accepting new patients.
Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Center
Michael Vaezi is a Gastroenterologist in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Vaezi is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophagitis. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Esophagitis, Achalasia, Heartburn, and Endoscopy. Dr. Vaezi is currently accepting new patients.
Most of the time, the disorders that cause swelling and inflammation of the food pipe, respond to treatment.
If not treated, this condition may cause severe discomfort. Scarring (stricture) of the food pipe may develop. This can cause swallowing problems.
A condition called Barrett esophagus (BE) can develop after years of GERD. Rarely, BE may lead to cancer of the food pipe.
Contact your provider if you have:
- Frequent symptoms of esophagitis
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Acid reflux uncontrolled by medicines
- Unexpected weight loss
Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease that causes inflammation in the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach. Diagnosing EoE currently requires a specialized tool called an endoscope. The esophageal string test (EST) is another test; the EST collects fluid from the upper digestive tract. An EST is simpler and cheaper than an endoscopy. Researchers ...
Summary: This study is researching an experimental drug called dupilumab (called study drug). The study is focused on children with active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE; an inflammatory disease of the esophagus) which impacts feeding and nourishment. The aim of the study is to see how safe, tolerable, and effective the study drug is when given for 24 weeks to children with active EoE. The study is looking ...
Published Date: August 12, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 124.
Graman PS. Esophagitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 97.
Richter JE, Vaezi MF. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 46.