Reflux esophagitis is caused by what?

Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
Updated on September 23, 2024
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There are many causes of reflux esophagitis. The main issue is due to the acidic digestive fluids from the stomach entering the esophagus. The primary cause of this is problems with the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, commonly referred to by doctors as the LES. Additionally, increased abdominal pressure or some gastrointestinal issues can also lead to reflux esophagitis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat reflux esophagitis?

Reflux esophagitis can be diagnosed when an endoscopy reveals damage to the gastric mucosa. Its main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment primarily involves acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the mucosa. Since reflux esophagitis is greatly related to poor gastric motility, in addition to pharmacological treatments, increasing physical activity is also necessary because exercise can enhance gastrointestinal motility and strengthen gastric dynamics, playing a crucial role in the treatment and symptom relief of reflux esophagitis. Furthermore, the diet should be light and easy to digest, avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, grilled, cold, and sweet foods.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Is reflux esophagitis related to nasal discharge reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nasal discharge reflux are usually not directly related. GERD is caused by excessive gastric acid secretion due to chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers in patients, which refluxes into the esophagus and throat, causing reflux esophagitis. Nasal discharge reflux, on the other hand, is mainly related to chronic sinusitis in patients, both of which can cause inflammation and discomfort in the patient's throat. For patients with GERD, the main treatment involves controlling acid suppression through medication. Common medications include proton pump inhibitors and comprehensive gastric acid relaxants. Additionally, for patients experiencing nasal discharge reflux, diagnosis is primarily through nasal endoscopy and paranasal sinus CT scan. For patients with sinusitis, treatment usually requires medications and surgery to open the sinus passages to improve symptoms and achieve healing.