Esophagitis should be seen in the Gastroenterology department.

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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For esophagitis, we generally recommend that patients visit the department of gastroenterology. As the name suggests, esophagitis refers to inflammatory changes in the esophagus, which can have many causes such as diet, medications, and acid reflux, among others. Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing esophagitis; under endoscopy, we can observe congestion, edema, and even erosions in the esophageal mucosa. Severe esophagitis can also present as ulcerations. Clinically, most cases of esophagitis present with heartburn and acid reflux, especially heartburn, which is characterized by a burning pain in the esophageal area. This is usually related to diet and symptoms can worsen after eating, leading most patients to seek care from a gastroenterologist. Additionally, a small portion of patients may experience other gastrointestinal symptoms such as burping and nausea. Thus, it is recommended for patients with esophagitis to undergo a thorough endoscopic examination at a gastroenterology clinic.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 24sec home-news-image

Is esophagitis serious?

Esophagitis is a common clinical condition, so generally, patients do not need to worry too much. The typical symptoms of esophagitis include nausea and heartburn, with heartburn being particularly characteristic. This manifests as a burning pain in the esophageal area or the whole chest, typically occurring persistently with episodic exacerbations, and it is generally related to diet. The condition often flares up after meals, lasts for several hours before gradually easing, but is prone to recurrence. If a patient experiences the aforementioned discomfort, it is advisable to further undergo an endoscopic examination to assess the condition and confirm the diagnosis. Esophagitis can typically be identified during an endoscopy by signs of congestion, edema, and even erosion or ulceration of the esophageal mucosa. Thus, the diagnosis of esophagitis generally relies on endoscopic examination, and the initial treatment may focus on dietary adjustments and oral medications, which might include acid reducers, mucosal protective agents, and drugs that improve gastrointestinal motility. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What to eat with esophagitis?

For patients with esophagitis, it is recommended that they eat an easily digestible, clean diet, but they should eat smaller, more frequent meals and not overeat. After eating, patients should pay attention to their body position; it is advised not to lie down flat immediately after eating. Instead, sit for half an hour or engage in light activity before lying down once any significant bloating has improved. For food, it is suggested that patients eat easily digestible, clean foods such as rice noodles and pasta, and avoid high sugar and high-fat intake. If symptoms are still pronounced, oral medications can be added, such as those that protect the intestinal mucosa, protect the stomach mucosa, and improve gastrointestinal motility. For most patients, the above treatments can provide some relief and control of symptoms like regurgitation and heartburn in esophagitis. (The use of medications should be 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 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 Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can you smoke with esophagitis?

Patients with reflux esophagitis must avoid raw, cold, spicy, and irritating foods, including tobacco, strong tea, and coffee. Nicotine, primarily found in cigarettes, adversely affects the patient's blood vessels and irritates the stomach and esophageal mucosa to varying degrees. It also stimulates the trachea, causing coughing. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with reflux esophagitis to quit smoking. Moreover, these patients must strictly control their diet, avoiding overly spicy, acidic, hot, or overly cold foods. Treatment is important, but regular maintenance is also very crucial.