Reflux esophagitis is divided into several grades.

Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Is Grade C reflux esophagitis serious?

Reflux esophagitis is classified into grades A, B, C, and D according to the severity of the condition, primarily based on the extent of damage to the esophageal mucosa. Grade C reflux esophagitis, in particular, is considered when up to 75% of the circumferential esophageal mucosa is damaged, which is relatively severe. Further progression can lead to ulcers or even severe damage to the entire esophageal mucosa. Therefore, Grade C reflux esophagitis is considered to be quite serious.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can I occasionally eat ice cream with reflux esophagitis?

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can occasionally eat ice cream. However, it is advisable for those with GERD to eat less high-fat food and avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid overeating. Consuming fresh vegetables and fruits is encouraged, but patients should not have a heavy dinner or lie down immediately after eating. After taking medicine, it’s beneficial to stand and move around. Patients should maintain a regular diet, adhere to their medication schedule, and undergo regular endoscopic check-ups. Generally, GERD is not very severe.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can people with reflux esophagitis eat sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes can increase the secretion of stomach acid, and it is not recommended for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to consume sweet potatoes. GERD is a type of gastroesophageal reflux disease that refers to the damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by the reflux of acid or alkali. During an endoscopy, defects in the esophageal mucosa, or ulcers, can be observed. GERD is graded based on the size of these ulcers and the extent of erosion, with four levels of severity. The larger the damage, the higher the grade, indicating a more severe case of GERD. Therefore, those with GERD must be cautious about their diet. It is essential to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid strong tea and coffee, and try not to consume foods that are rich, greasy, fried, spicy, or grilled. Foods like milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, and sweet potatoes, which can increase the secretion of stomach acid, are also not recommended. Thus, it is advised that people with GERD avoid consuming sweet potatoes.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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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.