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| Esophagitis, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Esophagitis, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus or esophagus, which is the organ that functions to transport food from the mouth to the stomach. This condition is characterized by pain and difficulty swallowing, as well as pain in the chest.
If left untreated, esophagitis can damage the esophagus causing injury or narrowing of the esophagus. Esophagitis can also cause Barrett's esophagus disease which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Esophagitis healing time depends on the cause and the patient's immune system. If the immune system is good, generally the patient can recover after undergoing treatment for 2-4 weeks.
Causes of Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus or esophagus can be caused by the following conditions:
- Reflux or rising of stomach acid into the esophagus: This condition is caused by a disturbance in the valve which functions to hold stomach contents from rising into the esophagus.
- Allergy: This condition is caused by an allergic reaction that is triggered by certain foods, such as eggs, wheat, soybeans, or seafood. Allergic reactions that cause esophagitis can also be triggered by dust.
- Infection: Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can infect the esophageal tissue. Infection is more often experienced by people who have weak immune systems, for example people with HIV, cancer, or diabetes.
- Drugs: Medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, can cause inflammation of the esophagus if they stay in the esophagus for too long. In addition, the habit of swallowing medicine without water can also trigger inflammation of the esophagus.
Apart from the causes above, there are a number of factors that can make a person more at risk of experiencing esophagitis, namely:
- Aged
- Have a family member who has esophagitis
- Suffering from allergic diseases, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis
- Often eat fatty foods or eat large portions
- Excessive consumption of chocolate, mint-flavored foods, and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
- Has a habit of going to sleep immediately after eating
- Suffering from excess weight
- Smoke
Esophagitis Symptoms
Symptoms experienced by sufferers of esophagitis include:
- Pain when swallowing
- Difficult to swallow
- Pain in the chest, which is generally felt behind the breastbone when eating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain and burning sensation in the pit of the stomach (heartburn)
- Stomach acid feels up into the esophagus or into the mouth (regurgitation)
In children, esophagitis is characterized by difficulty eating or swallowing breast milk, and growth retardation.
When to see a doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the following conditions:
- The symptoms above last for several days and do not go away even after taking over-the-counter antacid drugs
- Symptoms are severe enough to cause difficulty eating
- The above symptoms are accompanied by fever, headache and muscle aches
- Symptoms of chest pain that last for several minutes
- Sore in the mouth or throat when eating
- Shortness of breath or chest pain that appears shortly after eating
- Have suffered from heart disease and experienced chest pain
- Food seems to be stuck in the esophagus
Diagnosis of Esophagitis
The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient, then carry out a physical examination. If the patient is suspected of having esophagitis, the doctor will carry out the following supporting examinations:
- Endoscopy: aims to see the condition of the esophagus by inserting a camera tube (endoscope) through the mouth. In this procedure, the doctor can also take tissue samples from the esophagus for examination in the laboratory.
- Scanning: The scan that is carried out is an X-ray photo with the help of a special dye. In this procedure, the doctor will ask the patient to swallow a liquid barium before carrying out the scan.
Esophagitis Treatment
Treatment of esophagitis aims to address the cause, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Actions performed by doctors include:
- Prescribe stomach acid neutralizing drugs, such as antacids, omeprazole, or lansoprazole
- Give corticosteroid drugs, such as fluticasone and budesonide
- Prescribe antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medications, depending on the type of infection causing it
- Provide allergy medication and regulate the type of food consumed
- Undergoing surgical procedures, to strengthen the valve between the stomach and esophagus
If esophagitis has caused complications and narrowed the esophagus, the doctor will perform surgery to widen it again. The goal is that food doesn't get stuck anymore when swallowed.
Esophagitis Complications
Esophagitis that is not treated properly can cause complications in the form of:
- Narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus
- Barrett's esophagus, which is damage to the esophageal wall that makes a person more at risk of esophageal cancer
- Wounds and bleeding in the esophageal wall due to stuck food
Esophagitis Prevention
There are several efforts that can be made to prevent esophagitis, namely:
- Quit smoking
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages
- Limit consumption of spicy, sour and oily foods
- Lose weight if you are obese
- Do not lie down immediately after eating or taking medicine
- Elevating the head position while sleeping
- Eat in small portions but the frequency often
- Reducing consumption of foods or drinks that can increase stomach acid, such as coffee, chocolate, and foods with mint flavors
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