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Esophagitis can develop slowly, hoarseness being the only seemingly harmless symptom. The disease also attacks suddenly. There are at least four types of esophagitis, the symptoms of which are worth knowing about because they can lead to serious complications. In addition, we present the most common causes.
Esophagitis – what is it?
Esophagitis is directly related to the irritation of the mucosa that lines the inside of the esophagus. There are ulcers and erosions on it. They can be caused by the action of bacteria, or by chemical or thermal factors.
Esophagitis – the most common symptoms
The most common symptoms of oesophagitis include:
- heartburn;
- hoarseness;
- recurring dry cough;
- pain on swallowing (saliva / meals);
- feeling of a lump in the esophagus;
- shortness of breath;
- fever;
- belching;
- the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus;
- headache.
Reflux oesophagitis
Esophagitis often occurs with reflux disease. It is often associated with the narrowing of the esophagus and the so-called Barrett’s disease leading straight to cancer. In the case of gastroesophageal reflux, it is very important to change the patient’s eating habits, including food restriction, and avoiding products and fluids that may additionally cause the reflux of gastric contents. It is mainly about hard-to-digest meals and carbonated drinks. In addition to symptoms strictly related to the esophagus, reflux may be characterized by chest pain as well as fuzzy vomiting.
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis is directly linked to the consumption of foods that contain an allergen that irritates the esophagus, leading to inflammation. Food ingredients that cause allergies most often include onions, nuts, cow’s milk, citrus, coffee, and spicy spices. In the case of eosinophilic esophagitis, the patient is given antiallergic drugs as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Products containing allergens should also be completely eliminated from the diet.
Infectious esophagitis
Infectious esophagitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It most often appears in patients who are struggling with other ailments. It may concern people infected with HIV, who have AIDS or diabetics. Patients with infectious oesophagitis caused by bacteria are usually treated with antibiotics. It is also important to limit smoking and alcohol consumption. This rule also applies to other types of esophagitis.
Drug-induced esophagitis
In the case of drug-induced oesophagitis, organ ulceration occurs because the medications swallowed by the patient are washed down with too little water. Instead of reaching the stomach, the drugs lie in the esophagus, damaging the walls. For this reason, it is worth being careful – each time you drink the tablet with a large amount of cool, non-carbonated water.
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