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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Is reflux esophagitis grade LA-A severe?

Reflux esophagitis grade LA-A is not very severe. It is the lowest grade in the classification of reflux esophagitis, indicating that one or more areas of the esophageal mucosa are damaged, but the length of the lesions is less than five millimeters. If reflux esophagitis grade LA-A is present, the use of proton pump inhibitors, which suppress gastric acid secretion, can be considered for treatment to reduce the damage and irritation to the esophageal mucosa from excessive gastric acid secretion. Additionally, medications such as aluminum-magnesium carbonate and sucralfate can be used to protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa. The specific choice of medication and the dosage should be used under the guidance of a clinical physician.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of reflux esophagitis?

Common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include upper abdominal distension, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Gastroscopy may reveal lesions in the esophageal mucosa, facilitating a GERD diagnosis. Lesion sizes and severity are graded from A to D (ABCD), with Grade A being the mildest and Grade D the most severe. The main treatments include promoting gastric motility, suppressing acid production, and protecting the gastric mucosa, typically over an eight-week course. GERD is closely related to poor gastric motility, so patients are advised to increase physical activity, which can help enhance gastrointestinal motility and strengthen gastric motility, alleviating GERD symptoms.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is reflux esophagitis related to staying up late?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not be closely related to staying up late. However, patients with GERD should still pay attention to rest, balance work and leisure, and try to minimize staying up late. The occurrence of GERD is considerably related to one's diet. If a patient consumes strong tea, coffee, spirits, spicy or irritating foods, or high-fat foods, it could easily trigger an episode of GERD or worsen the symptoms in patients. The primary symptoms of GERD include heartburn, belching, nausea, etc. Treatment involves suppressing stomach acid secretion and promoting gastrointestinal motility.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to exercise and take care of reflux esophagitis.

If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should eat small, frequent meals, consume more low-fat foods, quit smoking and drinking, not eat too much for dinner, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. It is important to adhere to medication and have regular check-ups. If you experience a burning sensation behind the breastbone, and symptoms such as black stools, persistent pain that cannot be relieved, etc., you should seek medical attention promptly. Specific examination methods and medication should be carried out according to the doctor's instructions. Additionally, you should consume easily digestible foods and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What medicine is taken for gastritis and reflux esophagitis?

Gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are relatively common in clinical settings. Generally, medications that reduce acid production, protect the mucous membrane, and improve gastrointestinal motility can be chosen for treatment. Of course, dietary advice includes consuming clean, easily digestible foods, cultivating good living and eating habits, and avoiding overeating and binge drinking. Gastritis is more commonly seen clinically, with most patients exhibiting symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. Esophagitis primarily presents with nausea, belching, and burning pain, leading most patients to seek treatment from a gastroenterologist. The fastest diagnosis primarily relies on gastroscopy, which can reveal congestion and edema of the esophageal and gastric mucosa, and even the formation of erosion and ulcers, ruling out diagnoses like esophageal or gastric cancer. Therefore, the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis mainly relies on medications, which are selected after a complete gastroscopy. The typical course of treatment is about four weeks. If symptoms can be controlled, the dosage can be gradually reduced to maintain the minimal effective amount. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)