Is Grade C reflux esophagitis serious?

Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
Updated on September 25, 2024
00:00
00:00

Reflux esophagitis is classified into grades A, B, C, and D according to the severity of the condition, primarily based on the extent of damage to the esophageal mucosa. Grade C reflux esophagitis, in particular, is considered when up to 75% of the circumferential esophageal mucosa is damaged, which is relatively severe. Further progression can lead to ulcers or even severe damage to the entire esophageal mucosa. Therefore, Grade C reflux esophagitis is considered to be quite serious.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of reflux esophagitis?

The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include upper abdominal pain, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. A gastroscopy can reveal lesions on the esophageal mucosa, and if such damage is observed, a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease can be made. The severity of the lesions on the esophageal mucosa can be classified into four grades: A, B, C, and D, with grade A being the mildest and grade D the most severe. Treatment primarily involves acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and repairing the mucosa. The treatment course usually lasts about six to eight weeks. Moreover, gastroesophageal reflux disease is closely related to poor gastric motility, so regular exercise is recommended. Exercise can enhance gastric motility and promote intestinal peristalsis, which plays a positive role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
42sec home-news-image

What should I do if reflux esophagitis causes vomiting and choking?

Patients with reflux esophagitis who experience vomiting and choking is relatively rare. Once vomiting and choking occur, it is necessary for the patient to urgently lie on their side, quickly expel the contents of the stomach and mouth, and they may drink some water to keep the respiratory and digestive tracts clear. If the patient still experiences choking after these measures, it is recommended to urgently visit a hospital for treatment. The specific treatment plan will be determined by a doctor based on the situation. The main symptoms of reflux esophagitis include reflux and a burning sensation in the stomach, which are the most common and typical symptoms for patients.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
53sec home-news-image

What should I do if reflux esophagitis causes a fever?

Reflux esophagitis, if accompanied by fever, might indicate the possibility of an infectious disease. It is necessary to further determine whether there is an infection and its location. Complete blood count and C-reactive protein tests can be conducted. At the same time, a follow-up gastroscopy should be done to observe the condition of the esophageal lesions, and histopathological examinations might be necessary when needed. Patients with reflux esophagitis require active treatment to suppress gastric acid secretion, and can also use gastroprotective agents, such as magnesium trisilicate and sucralfate. Prokinetic drugs like mosapride and itopride are also needed for treatment. Dietary adjustments should focus on a bland diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
56sec home-news-image

Is reflux esophagitis grade III serious?

Reflux esophagitis is generally classified into four grades according to the Los Angeles classification. Grade III indicates that the mucosal damage in the esophagus has merged, but it covers less than 75% of the esophageal circumference. Although grade III reflux esophagitis is not very severe, regular treatment is necessary. Treatment should be administered under the guidance of a doctor, and proton pump inhibitors may be considered to suppress gastric acid secretion and reduce the stimulation of gastric acid on the esophageal mucosa. Medications that protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa, such as aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate, are also needed. In addition, medications that enhance esophageal and gastric motility, such as mosapride, can be taken. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 12sec home-news-image

Is reflux esophagitis serious?

Reflux esophagitis can be observed during an endoscopy as changes in the esophageal mucosa, including hyperemia, edema, erosion, and ulcers. The severity is graded based on the size of the erosion and ulcers, with smaller areas indicating milder conditions and larger areas indicating more severe conditions. An endoscopy can definitively diagnose reflux esophagitis, whose main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. The treatment primarily involves acid suppression, protection of the stomach lining, and promoting gastric motility, with a treatment duration of about six to eight weeks. Dietary considerations include avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, not consuming strong tea or coffee, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, and barbecued foods that are difficult to digest.