What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Symptoms)

• Esophageal Inflammation
• Inflamed Esophagus
• Inflammation of the Esophagus

What is Esophagitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Esophagitis is described as an inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach; it forms a part of the upper gastrointestinal tract and is also known as the ‘food-pipe’
• All individuals regardless of race, gender, and age groups are vulnerable to Esophagitis. It is caused by a variety of factors including certain food types, acid reflux, and eosinophilic reaction to infections. Immunocompromised individuals have a greater risk for developing Esophagitis
• The signs and symptoms of Esophagitis may include pain in the throat, difficulty in swallowing, and redness in the throat. The condition may be diagnosed via certain procedures such as a barium swallow test, endoscopy, and/or a tissue biopsy
• A treatment of Esophagitis typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. The prognosis of the condition is usually good with adequate treatment; however, this is also dependent upon the nature and severity of the underlying cause

Who gets Esophagitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of any age and gender are prone to Esophagitis
• However, it is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems such as those having the following conditions:
  • HIV infection or AIDS
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection
  • Human papillomavirus infection (HPV)
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
• The condition is seen worldwide among all racial and ethnic groups. However, some reports indicate a higher prevalence of Esophagitis in the nations of China and Iran

What are the Risk Factors for Esophagitis? (Predisposing Factors)

There are a host of risk factors for Esophagitis and these are dependent on the underlying etiology.

• Personal and/or family history of autoimmune disorders
• Eosinophilic reaction: In this condition, there is an exposure to materials that cause an allergic reaction within the esophagus. Individuals, who have recurring allergic reactions, are at great risk for developing Esophagitis
• Regularly consuming foods that cause acid reflux can also place an individual at risk for developing Esophagitis. These include:
  • Caffeine, caffeinated products
  • Chocolates
  • Spicy foods
  • Mint-flavored foods
  • Citrus fruits and tomatoes 
  • Foods with garlic and onion
• Certain medications that are taken for chronic conditions
• Exposure to certain pathogens, such as Candida albicans, Cytomegalovirus, or Herpes simplex virus
• Individuals with suppressed immune systems due to other medical conditions
• Certain infections such as tuberculosis
• Exposure to radiation and/or chemotherapy
• Eating disorders that results in chronic vomiting

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Esophagitis? (Etiology)

Esophagitis, or Inflammation of the Esophagus, may be caused by several factors. These may be drug-induced, via infections, due to eosinophilic reactions, or from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

• Some prescription medications may damage the esophagus lining, causing it to become inflamed. Improperly swallowing pills or medications can also result in Esophagitis
• Taking in harmful substances and acid refluxes can cause damage to the esophagus
• Infectious Esophagitis (viral, fungal, or bacterial) may be related to poor immune system function. This may be due to HIV infection or AIDS, certain cancers, or organ transplant
• In the case of eosinophilic Esophagitis, white bloods cells cause an immune response after an individual is exposed certain allergens
• Cancer therapy that may involve chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
• Autoimmune conditions including scleroderma, Behçet's disease, or Sjögren's syndrome

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Esophagitis?

The signs and symptoms of Esophagitis depend on the underlying cause and can vary from individual to individual. However, the common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain in the throat
• Painful swallowing
• Chest pain/heartburn 
• Acid reflux
• Difficulties eating or swallowing
• Redness at the back of the throat (as seen on an endoscopy)

How is Esophagitis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Esophagitis may involve the following: 

• Detailed family history and complete physical examination
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• Blood test for autoimmune disorders
• Tissue culture studies
• Barium swallow test: A liquid with barium is swallowed that coats the esophagus lining; this allows X-rays of the esophagus to be taken 
• Upper GI endoscopy: An endoscope (tube with a camera) is passed through the mouth into the esophagus to view the region. Tissue samples for a biopsy may be collected, if required
• CT scan of the chest
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy of the affected region is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Esophagitis?

• The possible complications of Esophagitis include long-term injuries that can cause the esophagus to change structurally resulting in chronic swallowing and breathing difficulties
• Prolonged and repeated injury to the esophagus can also increase one’s risk for developing esophageal cancer
• Recurrent infections: If infections are the cause of Esophagitis, then such infections may become recurrent or can spread to other parts of the body

The complications may also vary from one individual to another and is dependent on the underlying causative factors/condition.

How is Esophagitis Treated?

The treatment measures for Esophagitis are based on the underlying cause of the condition; the treatment may include:

• Infectious cause: Most individuals with the condition are treated with medications that help control infection, such as antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal drugs, depending on the cause of infection
• Acid reflux: For Esophagitis caused by acid reflux, there are prescription (anti-acid) medications available, which may be taken to reduce the effects of acid on the esophageal lining, such as proton pumps inhibitors
• In some cases, a surgery, known as fundoplication, can also be undertaken to help stop gastric reflux
• Treating autoimmune disorders adequately
• In case certain medications are the cause of the condition, then the healthcare provider may recommend suitable alternatives for the same

How can Esophagitis be Prevented?

The preventative measures for Esophagitis may include:

• Undertaking prompt treatment of any associated/underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux and autoimmune disorders
• Proper hand washing techniques help prevent infections
• Foods that cause heartburn or acid reflux should be avoided to limit the damage to the esophagus
• Individuals, with a suppressed or weakened immune system, should limit their exposure to others who may have other infections
• Medications: While swallowing medications, it is important to drink plenty of water. Also, ensure that drugs are taken standing up. Medications should also not be taken 15-30 minutes before going to bed
• Elderly adults should particularly be careful, since as one ages, the muscles in the esophagus weaken making it harder to swallow the pills
• In individuals with decreased immune system, prophylactic medications may be administered to prevent opportunistic infections

In general, a prevention of Esophagitis depends on treating and managing the underlying causative factor.

What is the Prognosis of Esophagitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Esophagitis is based on the cause of the condition. However, in most cases, with adequate management of the underlying cause, the prognosis of Esophagitis is good.

• A full recovery can be ensured through proper medication and bringing about suitable dietary changes, as needed
• Individuals with longstanding Esophagitis may need long-term medical treatment to address the issue
• Rarely, a small number of individuals with Esophagitis are known to develop esophageal cancer. In such cases, the overall prognosis depends on several factors, but chiefly on the stage of the cancer

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Esophagitis:

The following article link is a helpful resource for other Digestive Health conditions:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/digestive-center/