How long does it take to cure esophagitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The treatment period for esophagitis is generally around 4 to 6 weeks, and is considered appropriate. Most patients, especially after 4 to 6 weeks, can control the symptoms of esophagitis through active medication treatment. Of course, a small number of patients, due to their physical condition such as obesity, may have severe reflux symptoms and might need long-term oral medication, such as antacids, maintaining the effects with the minimum dosage generally sufficient to control symptoms. It is recommended that patients consume easily digestible food, avoid overeating, eat smaller meals more frequently, and pay attention to their posture after meals to control the symptoms of esophagitis through diet. If this is ineffective, patients are advised to control symptoms with oral medications and maintain with the minimum dosage for life; generally, this can be controlled and surgical intervention is not necessary. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Esophagitis type A

Esophagitis can be classified into four levels of severity: grade A, B, C, and D, with grade A being the mildest and grade D the most severe. For patients with grade A esophagitis, it is recommended that they pay attention to their diet and medication. Dietarily, it is advised that patients consume easily digestible meals, eat smaller portions more frequently, and avoid overeating. Medicinally, options include acid inhibitors, mucosal protectants, and medications that reduce stomach acid. The treatment course is 2 to 4 weeks, and if symptoms can be controlled, the dosage may be appropriately reduced. Clinically, esophagitis is relatively common with typical symptoms being nausea and heartburn, especially heartburn, which is the most frequent. This presents as a burning pain in the esophageal and anterior chest area, generally related to eating, and usually occurs after meals.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Esophagitis examination methods

Currently, for the examination of esophagitis in clinical practice, imaging studies are primarily used, including barium swallow tests and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Barium swallow tests are more commonly used in primary care hospitals, while upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is more frequently used in county-level and higher hospitals. Under barium swallow exam, it is possible to observe the disordered mucosal folds of the damaged esophagus, sometimes small niches and narrowing of the esophageal lumen can be seen. Under endoscopy, inflammatory changes in the esophageal mucosa can be detected.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of esophagitis?

The causes of reflux esophagitis are varied, including dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal hiatal hernia, gastric emptying disorders, psychological factors, and external stimuli such as medications or alcohol. Often, patients also exhibit insufficient gastric motility and excessive stomach acid. Common symptoms include upper abdominal bloating, belching, heartburn, acid regurgitation, a burning sensation or pain behind the sternum, and sometimes chest pain during eating. Some patients may experience irritative dry cough, which is often more pronounced at night or when lying down, but it tends to ease when standing up due to the irritation caused by acid reflux.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can esophagitis cause coughing?

Esophagitis generally does not cause coughing, as coughing is a symptom of respiratory diseases. Esophagitis mostly causes symptoms of the digestive system, such as heartburn, particularly when eating food, accompanied by painful swallowing, and pain behind the sternum. Severe esophagitis can lead to the narrowing of the esophageal lumen, difficulty swallowing, and may also present with vomiting. Esophagitis can also cause bleeding; bleeding of the mucous membranes can lead to vomiting blood or black stools. Recurrent esophagitis causes a decrease in appetite and impairs absorptive functions, leading to weight loss.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
41sec home-news-image

What should you avoid eating if you have esophagitis?

There are many foods that should be avoided with esophagitis, as any food that irritates the esophagus and worsens the condition should be avoided. First are dry, hard, cold, overly hot, or gas-producing foods, such as nuts, walnuts, as well as milk, soy milk, bread, and other foods that produce a lot of gas. Also, avoid smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and other irritating foods. Focus on consuming nutritious and easily digestible foods, maintain a regular eating schedule, and pay attention to food hygiene, ensuring meals are timely and in proper amounts.