Esophagitis
Esophagitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including acid reflux, infections, and certain medications.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Esophagitis can be caused by several factors:
- Acid Reflux: This is the most common cause of esophagitis. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
- Infections: Esophagitis can also be caused by infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. These can include viral infections such as herpes simplex virus and fungal infections such as Candida.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause esophagitis if they become stuck in the esophagus, causing irritation. These can include aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain antibiotics.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of esophagitis can vary depending on the cause, but may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of esophagitis typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may include:
- Endoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a light and camera into the esophagus to examine it.
- Biopsy: During an endoscopy, a small sample of tissue may be taken from the esophagus for examination under a microscope.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for esophagitis depends on the underlying cause. This may include:
- Medications to reduce stomach acid
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- Changes in diet or lifestyle to reduce acid reflux
See Also[edit | edit source]
Esophagitis Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
Translate to: East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Admin, Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T