Acute esophagitis

Acute Esophagitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This condition is often caused by a backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other causes include infections, certain medications, and radiation therapy.

Causes

The most common cause of acute esophagitis is GERD. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, does not close properly. This allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing inflammation and irritation.

Other causes of acute esophagitis include:

• Infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
• Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, and some antibiotics.
• Radiation therapy to the chest or upper abdomen.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute esophagitis can vary depending on the cause. They may include:

• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Decreased appetite

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute esophagitis typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also order certain tests, such as an endoscopy to examine the esophagus, a barium swallow test, or a biopsy to take a small sample of the esophageal tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for acute esophagitis depends on the underlying cause. For esophagitis caused by GERD, treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks that can trigger reflux, losing weight if necessary, and quitting smoking. Medications to reduce stomach acid may also be prescribed.

For esophagitis caused by infections, treatment typically involves antibiotics or antifungal medications. If the esophagitis is caused by certain medications, the doctor may recommend stopping or changing those medications.

See Also

• Chronic esophagitis
• Esophageal stricture
• Esophageal ulcer
• Barrett's esophagus