Esophagitis natural history, complications and prognosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Natural History
- The symptoms of esophagitis include heart burn, regurgitation, and dysphagia.
- If left untreated, esophagitis will develop to esophageal stricture which occurs in around 20% of the patients with GERD.[1]
- Esophageal stricture occur due to excessive acid in the lower of the esophagus which lead to scar formation. This scar causes narrowing of the esophagus and lead to difficulties in swallowing.
Complications
- Complications that can develop as a result of esophagitis include the following:[2]
- If untreated, esophagitis may cause severe discomfort and eventual scarring (stricture) of the esophagus, this can cause difficulty swallowing food or medications.
- Barrett's esophagus:
- The risk of progression from Barrett's to dysplasia is uncertain but is estimated to include 0.1% to 0.5% of cases, and has probably been exaggerated in the past.
- Due to the risk of chronic heart burn progressing to Barrett's esophagus, EGD every 5 years is recommended for patients with chronic heartburn, or who take drugs for chronic GERD.
- Esophageal ulcer
- Esophageal adenocarcinoma
Prognosis
- The disorders that cause esophagitis usually respond to treatment.
- The majority of people respond to non-surgical measures, with lifestyle changes and medications. However, many patients need to continue to take drugs to control their symptoms.
References
- ↑ Sonnenberg A, El-Serag HB (1999). "Clinical epidemiology and natural history of gastroesophageal reflux disease". Yale J Biol Med. 72 (2–3): 81–92. PMC 2579001. PMID 10780569.
- ↑ El-Serag HB, Graham DY, Satia JA, Rabeneck L (2005). "Obesity is an independent risk factor for GERD symptoms and erosive esophagitis". Am J Gastroenterol. 100 (6): 1243–50. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41703.x. PMID 15929752.