Reflux esophagitis is caused by what?

Written by Luo Peng

Thoracic Surgery

Updated on September 23, 2024

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There are many causes of reflux esophagitis. The main issue is due to the acidic digestive fluids from the stomach entering the esophagus. The primary cause of this is problems with the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, commonly referred to by doctors as the LES. Additionally, increased abdominal pressure or some gastrointestinal issues can also lead to reflux esophagitis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

56sec

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Is reflux esophagitis grade III serious?

Reflux esophagitis is generally classified into four grades according to the Los Angeles classification. Grade III indicates that the mucosal damage in the esophagus has merged, but it covers less than 75% of the esophageal circumference. Although grade III reflux esophagitis is not very severe, regular treatment is necessary. Treatment should be administered under the guidance of a doctor, and proton pump inhibitors may be considered to suppress gastric acid secretion and reduce the stimulation of gastric acid on the esophageal mucosa. Medications that protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa, such as aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate, are also needed. In addition, medications that enhance esophageal and gastric motility, such as mosapride, can be taken. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication.)

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Written by Wang Hui Jie

Gastroenterology

1min 6sec

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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.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 20sec

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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 Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

53sec

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What should I do if reflux esophagitis causes a fever?

Reflux esophagitis, if accompanied by fever, might indicate the possibility of an infectious disease. It is necessary to further determine whether there is an infection and its location. Complete blood count and C-reactive protein tests can be conducted. At the same time, a follow-up gastroscopy should be done to observe the condition of the esophageal lesions, and histopathological examinations might be necessary when needed. Patients with reflux esophagitis require active treatment to suppress gastric acid secretion, and can also use gastroprotective agents, such as magnesium trisilicate and sucralfate. Prokinetic drugs like mosapride and itopride are also needed for treatment. Dietary adjustments should focus on a bland diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie

Gastroenterology

1min 8sec

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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.