Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Esophagitis is irritation or inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. Esophagitis can be painful and can make it hard to swallow. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the most common cause of esophagitis. When you have GERD, stomach acid and juices flow backward into your esophagus. This can irritate the esophagus. Other causes include: Common symptoms of esophagitis include: Sometimes it also causes: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. The doctor may do tests such as: The treatment you need depends on what is causing the esophagitis. If you have esophagitis caused by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor will likely recommend that you change your diet, lose weight if needed, and make other lifestyle changes. Here are some things to try: If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough to help your esophagitis, your doctor may suggest you try medicines that reduce stomach acid. Reducing the reflux gives the esophagus a chance to heal. Over-the-counter medicines include: If esophagitis is caused by an infection, you may need to take antibiotics or other medicines to treat the infection. If you or your child has esophagitis caused by a food allergy, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. You might need surgery if you have a tear in your esophagus or if something is blocking your esophagus, such as a tumor. Current as of: October 19, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: October 19, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Esophagitis
Condition Basics
What is esophagitis?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is esophagitis treated?
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 19, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardEsophagitis
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.