Does reflux esophagitis cause mucus in stool?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 17, 2025
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The symptoms of reflux esophagitis mainly manifest as chest pain, acid reflux, as well as upper abdominal bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting, etc. Generally, it does not involve the occurrence of mucus in stools. If mucus in stools occurs, we consider two diseases. The first one is chronic colitis, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, and sometimes mucus in stools. The other is ulcerative colitis, whose main symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and stools with mucus and pus blood. A colonoscopy can be conducted to determine which specific disease is present, and then targeted treatment can be administered based on the results of the colonoscopy.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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 Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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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 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.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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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 Wu Hai Wu
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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.