Is reflux esophagitis serious?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 25, 2024
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Reflux esophagitis can be observed during an endoscopy as changes in the esophageal mucosa, including hyperemia, edema, erosion, and ulcers. The severity is graded based on the size of the erosion and ulcers, with smaller areas indicating milder conditions and larger areas indicating more severe conditions. An endoscopy can definitively diagnose reflux esophagitis, whose main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. The treatment primarily involves acid suppression, protection of the stomach lining, and promoting gastric motility, with a treatment duration of about six to eight weeks. Dietary considerations include avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, not consuming strong tea or coffee, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, and barbecued foods that are difficult to digest.

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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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 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 Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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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
Gastroenterology
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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.