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Reflux esophagitis
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis are quite typical and include a range of symptoms. The most typical symptom is heartburn, primarily referring to a burning discomfort or pain felt behind the sternum or beneath the xiphoid process, usually occurring about an hour after eating, often accompanied by nausea. Another common symptom is acid regurgitation, which tends to occur more frequently on an empty stomach. Additional symptoms include chest pain, mainly due to the irritation of the esophageal mucosa by refluxed digestive juices, causing esophageal spasm and resultant pain. Difficulty swallowing is also a common symptom, initially mainly due to stress-induced spasms leading to swallowing difficulties. In later stages, it is often due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue forming scars that cause esophageal narrowing, resulting in swallowing difficulties. Other common symptoms include bloating, pharyngitis, cough, asthma, and more.
Reflux esophagitis is divided into several grades.
Reflux esophagitis can be classified into four grades based on the extent of esophageal mucosal damage: Grade A, B, C, and D. Grade A mainly involves damage to the folds of the esophageal mucosa, generally not exceeding 5 millimeters. Grade B refers to damage greater than 5 millimeters. Grade C indicates that the damage to the esophageal mucosa reaches 75% of the entire circumference of the esophagus; any damage below 75% falls into Grade C. Grade D, on the other hand, is quite severe, with extensive damage around the entire circumference of the esophagus, mainly divided into these four grades.
Can gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis be detected by a CT scan?
Reflux esophagitis generally cannot be detected on a CT scan unless it is very severe, at which point it may be evident on a CT. Diagnosis of reflux esophagitis is primarily through gastroscope examination, where damage and erosion of the esophageal mucosa can be observed. Patients with severe reflux esophagitis may experience symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and a burning sensation behind the sternum. Additional diagnostic methods include upper gastrointestinal barium meal imaging and tissue pathology biopsy. An electrocardiogram can also be performed to rule out the possibility of conditions such as angina.
What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The following are some symptoms: The most common and typical symptom is heartburn. It mainly manifests as a burning discomfort or pain behind the sternum and below the xiphoid process. This usually occurs about an hour after eating and may extend upward from the lower end of the sternum to the neck and between the shoulder blades, often accompanied by nausea. Another common symptom is acid reflux, which generally occurs more often on an empty stomach. Another symptom is chest pain, mainly caused by irritation of the esophageal mucosa leading to spasms. There is also difficulty swallowing, which is quite common; initially, it is often caused by a stress-induced spasm. In later stages, it is mostly due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue forming scars, leading to esophageal narrowing. Some less common symptoms include stomach bloating, pharyngitis, cough, asthma, and others.
Reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis are not the same.
It's different. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to the abnormal reflux of stomach or duodenal fluids into the esophagus, causing a series of symptoms. Under endoscopy, severe esophageal inflammation and erosion can be seen, along with ulcers, fibrosis, etc. Prolonged episodes can lead to the development of Barrett's esophagus. On the other hand, reflux gastritis generally refers to bile reflux gastritis, which as the name suggests, is caused by the reflux of bile into the stomach. Endoscopically, swelling of the gastric mucosa can typically be seen, along with the presence of residual bile in the stomach, bile staining, and intestinal metaplasia, among others. Both conditions have clinically similar symptoms, including heartburn, acid reflux, and pain.
What should I do if reflux esophagitis causes vomiting and choking?
Patients with reflux esophagitis who experience vomiting and choking is relatively rare. Once vomiting and choking occur, it is necessary for the patient to urgently lie on their side, quickly expel the contents of the stomach and mouth, and they may drink some water to keep the respiratory and digestive tracts clear. If the patient still experiences choking after these measures, it is recommended to urgently visit a hospital for treatment. The specific treatment plan will be determined by a doctor based on the situation. The main symptoms of reflux esophagitis include reflux and a burning sensation in the stomach, which are the most common and typical symptoms for patients.
Chronic gastritis and reflux esophagitis symptoms
Chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) manifest clinically with typical symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, heartburn, and acid reflux, generally starting with gastrointestinal symptoms and often with a prolonged history. In cases presenting with abdominal pain, this generally occurs in the upper abdomen and can be characterized as dull, distending, or burning pain. These symptoms are usually related to diet, and some patients may feel better after eating. There is generally no associated nighttime pain, fever, or jaundice. GERD typically presents with heartburn and acid reflux, which are commonly seen in clinical settings. The symptoms are usually more noticeable after eating, especially after a full meal, and do not usually occur at night. The pain, generally a burning sensation, occurs in the precordial and esophageal areas and can be episodic, spontaneously resolving. There may occasionally be nausea, and even a tendency to vomit. Diagnosis of GERD primarily relies on gastroscopic examination.
Is reflux esophagitis related to nasal discharge reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nasal discharge reflux are usually not directly related. GERD is caused by excessive gastric acid secretion due to chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers in patients, which refluxes into the esophagus and throat, causing reflux esophagitis. Nasal discharge reflux, on the other hand, is mainly related to chronic sinusitis in patients, both of which can cause inflammation and discomfort in the patient's throat. For patients with GERD, the main treatment involves controlling acid suppression through medication. Common medications include proton pump inhibitors and comprehensive gastric acid relaxants. Additionally, for patients experiencing nasal discharge reflux, diagnosis is primarily through nasal endoscopy and paranasal sinus CT scan. For patients with sinusitis, treatment usually requires medications and surgery to open the sinus passages to improve symptoms and achieve healing.
What is the cause of ear pain in reflux esophagitis?
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease generally do not experience ear pain. If a patient does have ear pain, it is advised to visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor at a hospital to determine the cause. The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include reflux and a burning sensation in the stomach. These symptoms are the most common and typical, often occurring about an hour after a meal, and some patients may experience reflux during night sleep as well. Additional symptoms can include heartburn, nausea, chronic cough, asthma, etc. However, generally speaking, it does not cause ear pain.
Which severity level of reflux esophagitis is "abcd"?
Reflux esophagitis is divided into four grades: ABCD, with grade A being the least severe and grade D being the most severe. Grade D indicates that the esophageal mucosa shows damage and fusion, involving at least 75% of the esophageal circumference. The symptoms of reflux esophagitis mainly include reflux and a burning sensation in the stomach, and some patients may also experience heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Reflux esophagitis can occur during nighttime sleep in some patients and is caused by the chemical irritation of sensory nerve endings beneath the esophageal epithelium due to acidic or alkaline reflux material.