Esophagitis
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus or lining of the esophagus, which is the organ responsible for channeling food from the mouth to the stomach.
This condition is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, as well as difficulty swallowing food and drink.
The duration of healing of esophagitis usually varies from person to person. This depends on the cause and the immune system of the sufferer.
Usually, people with good immunity can recover after undergoing treatment for between 2 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms of Esophagitis
A person with esophagitis generally shows the following symptoms:
- Having pain when swallowing.
- Having difficulty swallowing.
- A burning sensation in the chest, usually appearing in the area behind the sternum when eating.
- Feeling nauseous and vomiting.
- Feeling pain in the pit of the stomach or heartburn.
- Stomach acid rises into the esophagus or mouth. This condition is called regurgitation.
Meanwhile, esophagitis in children is characterized by difficulty swallowing when eating or breastfeeding, as well as growth disorders.
Causes of Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus or throat can occur due to several of the following things:
-
Stomach acid rises into the esophagus
This occurs because there is a problem with the valve that functions to prevent stomach contents from rising into the esophagus. As a result, stomach fluid flows back into the esophagus.
-
Allergies
Esophagitis can also be caused by allergic reactions triggered by certain types of food, such as milk, eggs, wheat, beef, and soybeans.
Not only food, esophagitis can also be triggered by allergic reactions due to dust.
-
Infection
Fungi, viruses, and bacteria can infect the tissues of the esophagus.
This problem usually occurs in people with weak immune systems. Examples include those with cancer, diabetes, and HIV.
-
Side effects of certain medications
Consuming drugs such as pain relievers or antibiotics can cause inflammation of the esophagus if they remain in the esophagus for too long.
Not only that, the habit of taking medication by swallowing it without water can also cause inflammation of the esophagus.
Risk Factors for Esophagitis
There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing esophagitis, such as:
- Those who belong to the elderly group.
- There are family members who experience similar conditions.
- Suffering from allergies, such as rhinitis or asthma.
- Frequently consuming fatty foods or overeating.
- Eat foods with mint and chocolate flavors.
- Drink alcoholic or excessively caffeine-containing drinks.
- The habit of going straight to sleep after eating.
- Suffering from obesity.
- Having a bad habit of smoking.
Diagnosis of Esophagitis
In order to get an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms felt by the sufferer, then the doctor will continue to carry out a physical examination.
If the patient is suspected of having esophagitis, the doctor will recommend additional examinations, such as:
1. Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed to see the condition of the esophagus. The procedure is performed by inserting an endoscope tube equipped with a camera through the mouth.
This procedure also allows the doctor to take tissue samples from the esophagus for examination in the laboratory.
Usually, before an endoscopy is performed, the doctor will advise you to stop eating and drinking and stop taking medication.
An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract. Just like most medical procedures, endoscopy also has risks and side effects.
2. Scanning
This examination is in the form of an X-ray using a special dye made from barium.
Before the exam, your doctor will ask you to drink a white liquid called barium. The barium coats your esophagus, making it easier to see on an X-ray.
Esophagitis Treatment
Treatment is aimed at treating the underlying condition, helping to relieve symptoms, and preventing complications.
Treatment measures taken include:
- Giving medication to neutralize stomach acid, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, or antacids.
- Giving corticosteroid drugs.
- Give antiviral, antibacterial, or antifungal drugs according to the cause of the infection.
- Give anti-allergic drugs if esophagitis is caused by allergies.
- Regulate the food that can be consumed.
- Undergoing a surgical procedure to strengthen the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
If esophagitis has caused complications and resulted in narrowing of the esophagus, the doctor will usually recommend surgery to widen the esophagus again. The goal is so that food does not get stuck when swallowed.
Complications of Esophagitis
Untreated esophagitis can lead to various complications, such as:
- Narrowing of the esophagus or stricture. This condition can make swallowing more difficult and can worsen over time.
- Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that damages the esophageal wall, making sufferers more at risk of developing esophageal cancer.
- Wounds or bleeding in the esophageal wall due to food getting stuck.
Prevention of Esophagitis
There are several efforts that patients can make to help relieve the symptoms of esophagitis and prevent the disease from recurring, namely:
- Do not smoke.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid consuming sour, oily, fatty and spicy foods.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Do not go to sleep immediately after eating or taking medication.
- Raise your head position when sleeping.
- Swallow the medicine with water.
- Eat slowly.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately ask a doctor or seek treatment at the nearest hospital if:
- Symptoms do not go away for several days even after taking over-the-counter antacids.
- Experiencing severe symptoms to the point where sufferers have difficulty eating.
- Symptoms include muscle pain, headache, and fever.
- There is pain in the chest that lasts for several minutes.
- Pain in the mouth or throat when eating.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath shortly after eating.
- There is a history of chest pain or heart disease.
