Is reflux esophagitis grade III serious?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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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Can people with reflux esophagitis drink alcohol occasionally?

People with reflux esophagitis should not drink alcohol, as it can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate the symptoms of esophagitis, leading to frequent recurrences of the condition. If you have reflux esophagitis, you should primarily eat a bland diet, and avoid spicy and stimulating foods. It is also important to avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and foods that are overly sweet, sour, spicy, too cold, or too hot. Normally, it is advisable to consume foods that are easy to digest and absorb and are generally light. Therefore, regular treatment is also crucial for those suffering from reflux esophagitis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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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.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
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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.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
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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.

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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.