Sandbox:Shakiba

Shakiba Hassanzadeh, MD[1]

Overview

Esophagitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the esophagus.[2]

Classification

• Esophagitis may be classified into 6 subtypes/groups:
  • Reflux esophagitis
  • Infectious esophagitis
    • Fungal
      • Candida (Esophageal candidiasis)

• • • Viral
      • Herpes simplex (Herpes esophagitis)
      • Cytomegalovirus

• • Drug-induced esophagitis
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Caustic esophagitis

Epidemiology and Demographics

Age

• Esophagitis is more prevalent in adults and does not discriminate.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

• The prognosis for a person with esophagitis depends on the underlying causes and conditions.
• If a patient has a more serious underlying cause such as a digestive system or immune system issue, it may be more difficult to treat. Normally, the prognosis would be good with no serious illnesses.
• If there are more causes than one, the prognosis could move to fair.
• If the disease remains untreated, it can cause scarring and discomfort in the esophagus.
• If the irritation is not allowed to heal, esophagitis can result in esophageal ulcers
• . Esophagitis can develop into Barrett's esophagus and can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Diagnosis

Symptoms

• Symptoms of esophagitis may include the following:
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Dysphagia
  • Vomiting (emesis)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cough

Treatment

Prevention

• Since there can be many causes underlying esophagitis, it is important to try to find the cause to help to prevent esophagitis.
• To prevent reflux esophagitis, avoid acidic foods, caffeine, eating before going to bed, alcohol, fatty meals, and smoking.
• To prevent drug-induced esophagitis, drink plenty of liquids when taking medicines, take an alternative drug, and do not take medicines while lying down, before sleeping, or too many at one time.