Can I eat sweet potatoes with esophagitis?

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 14, 2024
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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.

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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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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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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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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.

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Esophagitis should be seen in the Gastroenterology department.

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.