Esophagitis medical therapy

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Medical Therapy

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Reflux disease may require medications to reduce acid. Infections will require antibiotics.

• Medications that block acid production, like heartburn drugs.
• Antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals to treat an infection.
• Pain medications that can be gargled or swallowed.
• Corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation.
• Intravenous (by vein) nutrition to allow the esophagus to heal and to reduce the likelihood of malnourishment or dehydration.
• Endoscopy to remove any lodged pill fragments.
• Surgery to remove the damaged part of the esophagus.

While being treated for esophagitis, there are certain steps you can take to help limit discomfort.

• Avoid spicy foods such as those with pepper, chili powder, curry, and nutmeg.
• Avoid hard foods such as nuts, crackers, and raw vegetables.
• Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and their juices. Instead, try imitation fruit drinks with vitamin C.
• Add more soft foods such as applesauce, cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, custards, puddings, and high protein shakes to your diet.
• Take small bites and chew food thoroughly.
• If swallowing becomes increasingly difficult, try tilting your head upward so the food flows to the back of the throat before swallowing.
• Drink liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.