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Reflux Esophagitis
What is reflux esophagitis?

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lower part of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat and stomach. Esophagitis produces heartburn and pain in the area below the breastbone.

Reflux esophagitis is caused by gastroesophageal reflux, which is when the acid contents of the stomach flow back, or reflux, into your esophagus, causing heartburn. When gastroesophageal reflux occurs often, acidic juices backed up into the esophagus can inflame it.

How does it occur?

It can occur with:

  • obesity
  • pregnancy
  • hiatal hernia
  • recurrent vomiting
  • scleroderma
  • nasogastric tubes.
What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can appear when you lie down after eating and are relieved when you sit upright. They include:

  • heartburn
  • cramping, severe pain, or pressure below the breastbone
  • pain
  • spitting up at night
  • coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • fluid or vomit inhaled into the lungs
  • anemia due to blood in the bowel movement.
How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will review your symptoms and examine you, and may order the following tests:

  • x-ray
  • endoscopy (using a viewing scope to look in the esophagus)
  • acid perfusion test
  • esophageal manometry (a test to monitor gas pressure)
  • a test to monitor esophageal acidity and alkalinity.
How is it treated?

The doctor may prescribe:

  • antacids to take after meals and at bedtime
  • H2 receptor blockers
  • proton pump inhibitors
  • gastrointestinal stimulants.

Surgery is necessary for less than 25% of those with reflux esophagitis. When your esophagus narrows from repeated inflammation and scarring, the doctor may:

  • dilate your esophagus
  • use surgery to restore and anchor the stomach below the diaphragm
  • use bypass surgery to create a new segment of esophagus from a stomach tube.

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