Esophagitis: Types, Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment by COEM in Charleston, South Carolina

Esophagitis is an inflammation that may damage the tissues of the esophagus. It makes it difficult to swallow food and can be caused by infection, allergies, oral medications, etc.

This is a chronic immune system disease. Here, eosinophil (a type of white blood cell) builds up in the lining of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This is due to a reaction to allergens, food, or acid reflux and can damage the esophageal tissue. Eosinophilic esophagitis can be very painful and uncomfortable as it can lead to difficulty in swallowing food.

Types of Esophagitis

The common forms of esophagitis are:

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis
It is a chronic immune system disease that is caused by too many eosinophils present in the esophagus. This happens when the body over-responds to food or allergens. It can make eating difficult for children. Some common triggers include peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, milk, etc.

• Reflux Esophagitis
This generally happens due to a condition called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It occurs when stomach fluids like acids back up into the esophagus frequently and can cause chronic inflammation of the esophagus.

• Drug-Induced Esophagitis
This can occur when a person takes certain medications without sufficient water. This can cause medications to linger in the esophagus for too long. Such medications include potassium chloride, antibiotics, etc.

• Infectious Esophagitis
It is a rare condition that can be caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria, or parasites. You can be at a high risk from this type of esophagitis if your immune system is weakened by medications or diseases. Infectious esophagitis is common in people with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or HIV.

Symptoms of Esophagitis

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Chest pain
• Food getting stuck in the esophagus

Causes of Esophagitis

• Medicines like aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS)
• Allergies
• Medical procedures like radiation therapy
• Chronic vomiting

Also read: MYCOTOXINS TOXICITY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Barium X-ray: After the patient drinks a barium solution (barium coats the lining of the esophagus and makes it visible on x-ray), an x-ray is taken of the esophagus. This allows the doctor to view any abnormality in the esophagus.

• Endoscopy: A flexible, long, and lighted tube (endoscope) is used to view the esophagus.

• Biopsy: A mini sample of the esophageal tissue is removed and sent to the lab for examination under a microscope.

In most cases, healthy people take around two to four weeks to improve with proper treatment.

Also read: Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

The treatment for esophagitis mainly lessens the symptoms, manages complications, and treats the main cause of it. Treatment can vary depending on the cause of the disorder.

Are you suffering from esophagitis and need treatment? We at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine have a group of experts at your service. Call us to book an appointment now. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.