Esophagitis

The most common symptoms or signs of esophagitis in adults include:

• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Food impaction – food getting stuck in the esophagus
• Difficulty and pain in swallowing
• Acid regurgitation

Young children can also experience esophagitis. The common signs in young children could include:

• Difficulty feeding/eating
• Failure to thrive – not growing at a normal rate, malnutrition, etc.

You should schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist at GI Alliance if symptoms persist past a few days, over-the-counter heartburn medications are not working, eating is difficult due to pain, or if your symptoms are accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, aching, and headache.

Treatment for esophagitis focuses on lessening the symptoms of esophagitis in the patient. The treatment strategy varies depending on the cause of the condition. Some of those treatments may include:

• Medications that reduce acid production (antacids)
• H-2 receptor blockers (prescription strength acid reflux medications)
• Surgery – to strengthen the esophageal sphincter and reduce acid reflux
• Steroids
• Proton Pump Inhibitors
• Diet control
• Change medications (if caused by oral medications)
• Antivirals
• Antibiotics
• Dilation

A primary focus of treatment and prevention of esophagitis is to diminish acid reflux. This can be accomplished by avoiding foods such as alcohol, caffeine, mint-flavored foods, and other foods that trigger your acid reflux. Making the following lifestyle changes can also assist:

• Good pill-taking habits - such as eating before taking your medication, drinking plenty of water with it, and avoiding lying down after taking pills
• Lose weight
• Quit smoking / don’t start smoking
• Avoid lying down after eating