Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus. This is due, in particular, to gastric reflux or gastroesophageal reflux and is associated with a deficiency of the esophageal sphincter.

Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus. This appears in the context of reflux of gastric acid, coming from the stomach and up to the esophagus.

The sphincter, located in the lower part of the esophagus, is the muscle normally capable of limiting these gastric refluxes, playing a valve role. However, in the context of too much reflux or even a deficiency of this sphincter, the acid goes up to the esophagus and then causes inflammation of the throat.

Esophagitis can also be called gastroesophageal reflux.

This reflux can then cause certain symptoms such as heartburn, an unpleasant and persistent taste in the mouth, or even other constraints, which vary from one patient to another.

Esophagitis can impact adults, children as well as pregnant women. The clinical signs may however be different depending on the age of the individual.

Different forms of esophagitis should be dissociated:

• lesophagitis infectious, resulting from a viral or bacterial infection
• theesophagitis caustic, caused by the ingestion of very acidic products and / or foods
• theesophagitis peptic, directly related to gastroesophageal reflux disease
• theesophagitis caused by taking certain pharmaceuticals.

Gastroesophageal reflux, forme esophagitis most common, is usually caused by impaired sphincter function esophageal.

The normal functioning of this muscle is then to open in order to allow the food bolus to enter, from the esophagus to the stomach, and to close in order to avoid the rise of stomach acid.

In the context of peptic esophagitis (gastroesophageal reflux disease), this functioning is disturbed. The acid from the stomach therefore enters the esophagus, causing inflammation of the latter and irritation of the esophageal mucosa.

The exact causes of this sphincter deficiency are not always very clear but certain risk factors may be the explanation.

Among these risk factors inducing an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, we can name:

• obesity or overweight
• a diet too rich in fatty foods
• tobacco, alcohol, coffee or even the abuse of chocolate
• the pregnancy
• gastro paresis, a pathology of the stomach causing difficulties in managing gastric acid
• l’hernie hiatal, lesion in the digestive system
• certain medications
• the stress.

Esophagitis can affect every individual, whatever their age.

However, young children, infants, the elderly as well as pregnant women may be more impacted.

If esophagitis is not taken care of quickly and treated appropriately, certain complications may appear:

• stenosis, or scarring and narrowing of the lower part of the esophagus
• Barrett’s syndrome
• un esophageal cancer

Persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease can also lead to other complications, such as:

• an ulcer of the esophagus
• a narrowing of the esophagus

The clinical signs and symptoms most commonly associated with esophagitis are stomach pains, from the top of the abdomen.

Other symptoms may also be associated with it: an unpleasant and acidic taste in the mouth, acid reflux from the stomach into the mouth, pain during ingestion and swallowing, particularly in the context of ingestion of hot food.

Signs that are a little less common but possible reflect: hoarseness, a persistent cough or even nocturnal discomfort.

The primary clinical diagnosis is based on the identification of symptoms. In this context, the doctor can prescribe the patient a treatment in order to alleviate the inconvenience, without necessarily asking for more examinations.

If the diagnosis is not certain, other additional analyzes may be necessary: ​​endoscopy, manometry, blood analysis.

Before using any medication, it is good to know that certain dietary modifications can help reduce gastric reflux. Among these modifications, we can identify: stopping smoking or the avoidance of fatty foods.

Painkillers and anti-inflammatories are usually the drugs most often used in the treatment of esophagitis.

If the patient is overweight, or even obese, weight loss can limit or even eliminate gastric reflux.

The symptoms disappear, on average, almost fifteen days after their onset. However, this depends on the severity of the esophagitis.