Is Grade C reflux esophagitis serious?

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

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can grade C reflux esophagitis be cured?

Patients with Grade C reflux esophagitis can be cured; there is no need for excessive anxiety. Grade C indicates that the lesions of the esophageal mucosa are confluent but involve less than 75% of the esophageal circumference. Treatment for patients with Grade C reflux esophagitis requires regular medication, and the course of treatment may be relatively long. Consider using proton pump inhibitors to suppress gastric acid secretion and aluminum magnesium carbonate to protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa. Medications that enhance esophageal and gastric motility, such as mosapride, can also be considered. The choice, dosage, and administration of specific drugs should be under the guidance of a doctor. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What foods are good for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

For reflux esophagitis, it is recommended to have an easily digestible diet and avoid smoking and drinking. One should not consume strong tea, coffee, fatty, greasy, spicy, fried, grilled, cold, or sweet foods. It is also advised against consuming milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, sweet potatoes, etc., as these foods may promote gastric acid secretion, leading to further irritation of the esophageal mucosa and worsening reflux esophagitis. Some are also difficult to digest, so it is recommended to avoid them. You can consume porridge, such as lean meat porridge, chicken porridge, fish porridge, etc.; or soups, such as chicken soup, pork rib soup, etc.; you can also eat noodles. When eating meat, remember to cook it until it's very soft, and it is also advised to increase physical activity.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Reflux esophagitis is divided into several grades.

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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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Chronic gastritis and reflux esophagitis symptoms

Chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) manifest clinically with typical symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, heartburn, and acid reflux, generally starting with gastrointestinal symptoms and often with a prolonged history. In cases presenting with abdominal pain, this generally occurs in the upper abdomen and can be characterized as dull, distending, or burning pain. These symptoms are usually related to diet, and some patients may feel better after eating. There is generally no associated nighttime pain, fever, or jaundice. GERD typically presents with heartburn and acid reflux, which are commonly seen in clinical settings. The symptoms are usually more noticeable after eating, especially after a full meal, and do not usually occur at night. The pain, generally a burning sensation, occurs in the precordial and esophageal areas and can be episodic, spontaneously resolving. There may occasionally be nausea, and even a tendency to vomit. Diagnosis of GERD primarily relies on gastroscopic examination.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis are not the same.

It's different. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to the abnormal reflux of stomach or duodenal fluids into the esophagus, causing a series of symptoms. Under endoscopy, severe esophageal inflammation and erosion can be seen, along with ulcers, fibrosis, etc. Prolonged episodes can lead to the development of Barrett's esophagus. On the other hand, reflux gastritis generally refers to bile reflux gastritis, which as the name suggests, is caused by the reflux of bile into the stomach. Endoscopically, swelling of the gastric mucosa can typically be seen, along with the presence of residual bile in the stomach, bile staining, and intestinal metaplasia, among others. Both conditions have clinically similar symptoms, including heartburn, acid reflux, and pain.