Many of us suffer from heartburn during meals. This happens due to acid reflux from the stomach which over time may lead to Oesophagitis. The condition is characterized by inflammation of Oesophagus which can lead to various symptoms over the years.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are:
1) Difficulty in swallowing (Dysphagia)/ Painful swallowing
2) Heartburn, which is characterized by pain in chest while eating
3) Nausea and Vomiting (often after food)
4) Mouth ulcers
What causes Oesophagitis?
1) Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is the most common cause
2) Drugs - like ibuprofen and aspirin, antibiotics, and other anti-inflammatory medicines
3) Smoking and Alcohol
4) Infection - fungal infection (Candida) or viral infection (Cytomegalovirus and Herpes)
5) Food allergies
6) Radiation
Diagnosis and Complications
The condition can lead to some serious complications if not treated on time. The condition is usually diagnosed by doing a endoscopy. Barium X-ray and Biopsy are also used in case endoscopy fails. If untreated, the inflammation can lead to:
1) Constricted Oesophagus, leading to oesophageal stricture
2) Development of abnormal tissue along the lining of Oesophagus, known as oesophageal rings
3) Barrett’s Oesophagus, is a rare condition which occurs due to chronic exposure to acid. The condition is characterized by changes in cells of the lower part of the oesophagus
How is it treated?
The condition is usually treated by suppressing the acid reflux. In some cases the underlying cause of Oesophagitis may need to be treated like Obesity.
1) Medicines: that inhibit acid production like proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, antacids, pain killers, antibiotics (where the cause is infection).
2) Elevating the upper body while sleeping: by elevating the bed angle, this decreases the acid reflux during night when the person is sleeping
3) Dietary changes: small meals preferred, spicy and fatty food should be avoided
4) Surgery: is not very common and is usually done when medical treatment fails
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