Understanding Esophagitis-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Esophagitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that links the mouth to the stomach. Causes of esophagitis include bacterial or viral infection, side effects of medications, allergy, and, most commonly, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is when stomach contents reverse and flow back to the esophagus. If left untreated, esophagitis can result in scarring, ulcers and increase the risk of esophageal cancer.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), called acid reflux as well, is when stomach contents reverse and flow back to the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that links the mouth to the stomach. GERD is a common condition affecting up to 20% of the population. Risk factors for GERD include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications. If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), scarring and narrowing of the esophagus, and eventually increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

6274 Alikes with Esophagitis-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Learn from others
who are experiencing
Esophagitis-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Join Now

Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- GERD
- Acid Reflux
- Reflux Esophagitis
- Esophageal Hemorrhage
- Esophageal bleeding
- Ulcer of Esophagus
- Perforation of Esophagus
- Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
- Esophageal Leukoplakia
- Esophageal Diverticulum
- Zenkers diverticulum
- Zenkers diverticulum
- Esophageal Stricture
- Schatzkis ring
- Esophageal Reflux
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of esophagitis may include:
- Heartburn.
- Difficulty swallowing or eating.
- Sore throat.
- Cough or hoarse voice.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting Symptoms of GERD may include:
- Heartburn – a feeling of burning in the chest or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or eating.
- Cough or hoarse voice.
- Sour or bitter taste at the back of the mouth.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through questioning and investigating medical history, list of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Physical examination of the oral cavity, chest, stomach, and maybe other systems will provide additional information and help exclude other diseases. Another possible test includes:
- Endoscopy – a procedure that allows looking at the esophagus and taking a biopsy, using a special camera inserted through the mouth.
- X-ray – possibly with contrast drinking liquid, to emphasize the esophagus.
- Allergy testing.
- Blood testing.
Diagnosis of GERD is made through questioning and investigating medical history, list of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Physical examination of the oral cavity, chest, stomach, and maybe other systems will provide additional information and exclude other diseases. Another possible test includes:
- Endoscopy – a procedure that allows looking at the esophagus and taking a biopsy, using a special camera inserted through the mouth.
- X-ray – possibly with contrast drinking liquid (Barium swallow), to emphasize the esophagus.
- Esophageal manometry – a procedure that allows measuring the esophagus's muscle strength by a unique tube inserted through the nose.
- Esophageal pH monitoring – a monitor inserted into the esophagus through the nose and measures whether acid is entering the esophagus.

Treatment

Treatment of esophagitis varies depending on the cause of the disease. Possible medications include antiviral, antifungal, or antibiotic drugs, steroids, antacids, and pain relievers. If allergies are the source, avoiding certain foods will improve the symptoms. Some life changes may also be advisable, such as avoiding spicy or acidic food, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, eating smaller portions, and avoiding eating right before going to sleep.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital