Reflux esophagitis is divided into several grades.

Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Reflux esophagitis can be classified into four grades based on the extent of esophageal mucosal damage: Grade A, B, C, and D. Grade A mainly involves damage to the folds of the esophageal mucosa, generally not exceeding 5 millimeters. Grade B refers to damage greater than 5 millimeters. Grade C indicates that the damage to the esophageal mucosa reaches 75% of the entire circumference of the esophagus; any damage below 75% falls into Grade C. Grade D, on the other hand, is quite severe, with extensive damage around the entire circumference of the esophagus, mainly divided into these four grades.

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How to distinguish between plum pit qi and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Plum pit qi and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can initially be distinguished by their symptoms. For example, plum pit qi primarily presents with a sensation of a foreign object in the throat, which cannot be coughed up nor swallowed down. On the other hand, GERD may lead to vomiting, gastrointestinal indigestion, and it is likely to cause symptoms such as throat pain. Therefore, distinguishing between the two based on their symptoms can be very effective. Regardless of whether it is plum pit qi or GERD, it is crucial to seek timely treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and becoming more difficult to cure.

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Does reflux esophagitis cause mucus in stool?

The symptoms of reflux esophagitis mainly manifest as chest pain, acid reflux, as well as upper abdominal bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting, etc. Generally, it does not involve the occurrence of mucus in stools. If mucus in stools occurs, we consider two diseases. The first one is chronic colitis, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, and sometimes mucus in stools. The other is ulcerative colitis, whose main symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and stools with mucus and pus blood. A colonoscopy can be conducted to determine which specific disease is present, and then targeted treatment can be administered based on the results of the colonoscopy.

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How to exercise and take care of reflux esophagitis.

If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should eat small, frequent meals, consume more low-fat foods, quit smoking and drinking, not eat too much for dinner, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. It is important to adhere to medication and have regular check-ups. If you experience a burning sensation behind the breastbone, and symptoms such as black stools, persistent pain that cannot be relieved, etc., you should seek medical attention promptly. Specific examination methods and medication should be carried out according to the doctor's instructions. Additionally, you should consume easily digestible foods and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis are quite typical and include a range of symptoms. The most typical symptom is heartburn, primarily referring to a burning discomfort or pain felt behind the sternum or beneath the xiphoid process, usually occurring about an hour after eating, often accompanied by nausea. Another common symptom is acid regurgitation, which tends to occur more frequently on an empty stomach. Additional symptoms include chest pain, mainly due to the irritation of the esophageal mucosa by refluxed digestive juices, causing esophageal spasm and resultant pain. Difficulty swallowing is also a common symptom, initially mainly due to stress-induced spasms leading to swallowing difficulties. In later stages, it is often due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue forming scars that cause esophageal narrowing, resulting in swallowing difficulties. Other common symptoms include bloating, pharyngitis, cough, asthma, and more.

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What are the symptoms of reflux esophagitis?

The common symptoms of reflux esophagitis include chest pain, bloating in the upper abdomen, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, etc. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a gastroscopy. If the gastroscopy reveals damage or ulcers on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, it can be diagnosed as reflux esophagitis. Reflux esophagitis is classified into four grades based on the size of the mucosal damage. Grade A is the lowest and as the grade increases, it indicates a higher severity of the condition. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, standardized treatment should be administered. The treatment mainly includes acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the mucosa. The general course of treatment lasts about eight weeks, after which the symptoms can disappear, and the disease can be cured.