Esophagitis is the medical term for an irritation, swelling, or inflammation in the tube that connects the backside of the mouth and the stomach, called the esophagus. The most common symptoms of esophagitis are trouble swallowing, heartburn, and sores in the mouth. Some people also experience hoarseness, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, one of the general symptoms of esophagitis is the sensation of an obstruction in the throat.
When a person experiences the symptoms of esophagitis, she should consult a medical provider. Generally, an infection in the body may be the cause of the irritation or the inflammation of the esophagus. If the inflammation persists without treatment, it may result in ulcers, scarring, and even cancer.
Once a person addresses her concerns with her medical provider, she may undergo a series of tests, such as an x-ray of her gastrointestinal tract and a biopsy. The purpose of these tests is to diagnose the disease. In addition, a doctor will usually listen to the patient’s description of her symptoms. She may also conduct a review of the general health of the patient, looking for problem areas, such as smoking, drinking, or even frequent vomiting.
If the symptoms of esophagitis are addressed promptly, treatment can be prescribed, and the disease can be alleviated. For example, if the person has a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection, antibiotics or fungicides may be advised and prescribed for the patient. If the person is suffering from heartburn, reflux medications may help relieve the symptoms and lessen the irritation to the esophagus. Detecting the disease early is important to curing the underlying condition, if there is one, and treating the disease.
There are some people who are more prone to experience symptoms of esophagitis. For example, if a person consumes alcohol or smokes, she may be susceptible to the disorder. If the affected individual has undergone chest radiation, chest surgery, or has taken medication without drinking enough water, she may experience symptoms of esophagitis as well. In addition, people with weak immune systems, viral infections, yeast infections, or fungal infections may develop esophagitis.
Although the prognosis of people affected by esophagitis is good, particularly if the symptoms are addressed without delay, complications are still possible. For example, if the inflammation or irritation is not treated, the esophagus may scar. Scarring may create difficulty taking medications or swallowing drinks or food. In addition, cancer may form in the esophagus if gastro-esophageal reflux occurs for years on end.
