Is esophagitis serious?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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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
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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Which department should I go to for esophagitis?

Esophagitis is a disease of the digestive system and can be treated at the Department of Gastroenterology. Generally, it requires routine examinations such as barium meals of the esophagus or endoscopy. Through the examination of the barium meal, one can observe the disordered folds of the damaged esophageal mucosa, sometimes small niches and narrowing of the esophageal lumen can be seen. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can reveal inflammatory changes in the esophageal mucosa. For milder cases of esophagitis, medication can be used primarily to inhibit the secretion of stomach acid and for anti-inflammatory purposes. More severe cases may require hospitalization for infusion therapy.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Does esophagitis cause chest pain?

People with esophagitis, generally reflux esophagitis, suffer due to the stomach acid refluxing back into the esophagus, which irritates or damages the mucous membrane of the esophagus. This causes symptoms such as congestion, edema, and pain, especially after consuming acidic, spicy, or overly hot foods, where the sensation of pain can become more pronounced. Thus, patients with esophagitis may experience symptoms of chest pain. By paying attention to dietary control, avoiding overly acidic, spicy, or hot foods, and taking medications that protect the esophageal mucous membrane and suppress stomach acid secretion, these symptoms of chest pain can gradually be alleviated and even completely cured.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 14sec home-news-image

Can esophagitis be treated with surgery?

Esophagitis is relatively common in clinical settings, and the treatment plan generally involves medical therapy rather than surgery as the first choice. However, if complications such as obstruction, bleeding, or even cancer occur, surgical treatment is usually undertaken. For medication selection, one can choose drugs that protect the mucous membrane, reduce acid, and improve gastrointestinal motility. It is important to pay attention to diet and post-meal posture in daily life, avoid binge eating, eat smaller and more frequent meals, and avoid intake of high-sugar, high-fat foods, opting instead for a light, easily digestible diet. Post-meal posture involves not lying down immediately after eating, especially for a nap, and it is recommended that patients sit for half an hour before lying down to rest to prevent reflux. Most patients can control the symptoms of esophagitis with active medical treatment and dietary adjustments, and do not need surgical treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can I eat sweet potatoes with esophagitis?

If esophagitis is not severe, it is okay to eat a moderate amount of sweet potatoes, as they are not highly irritating and do not significantly affect the esophagus. However, if the condition is more severe, it is necessary to control the intake of sweet potatoes. This is because sweet potatoes contain a large amount of starch, which can lead to bloating after consumption and can trigger symptoms such as indigestion. Additionally, nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux might occur. Sweet potatoes are sweet and can stimulate the excessive secretion of gastric acid, which not only causes nausea and vomiting but also affects the mucous membrane of the esophagus, potentially worsening the symptoms of esophagitis. Those with esophagitis should aim for a bland diet, eat smaller and more frequent meals, and chew slowly and thoroughly.