Is reflux esophagitis related to staying up late?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 25, 2025
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not be closely related to staying up late. However, patients with GERD should still pay attention to rest, balance work and leisure, and try to minimize staying up late. The occurrence of GERD is considerably related to one's diet. If a patient consumes strong tea, coffee, spirits, spicy or irritating foods, or high-fat foods, it could easily trigger an episode of GERD or worsen the symptoms in patients. The primary symptoms of GERD include heartburn, belching, nausea, etc. Treatment involves suppressing stomach acid secretion and promoting gastrointestinal motility.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

The following are some symptoms: The most common and typical symptom is heartburn. It mainly manifests as a burning discomfort or pain behind the sternum and below the xiphoid process. This usually occurs about an hour after eating and may extend upward from the lower end of the sternum to the neck and between the shoulder blades, often accompanied by nausea. Another common symptom is acid reflux, which generally occurs more often on an empty stomach. Another symptom is chest pain, mainly caused by irritation of the esophageal mucosa leading to spasms. There is also difficulty swallowing, which is quite common; initially, it is often caused by a stress-induced spasm. In later stages, it is mostly due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue forming scars, leading to esophageal narrowing. Some less common symptoms include stomach bloating, pharyngitis, cough, asthma, and others.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Do you always need to take medication for reflux esophagitis?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) doesn't necessarily require continuous medication. If symptoms are effectively relieved, and patients no longer experience recurrence for four to eight weeks following adjustments to their diet and lifestyle, then it might be considered appropriate to temporarily discontinue medication. However, if symptoms recur after these treatments, prompt pharmacological treatment should be administered to prevent worsening of the condition. Treatment might include the use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole to suppress gastric acid secretion, as well as antacids like aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate to protect the gastric mucosa. Additionally, medications like mosapride or itopride may be used to enhance motility in the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. (Medication should be taken according to medical advice.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to deal with reflux esophagitis causing palpitations and a feeling of panic?

Patients with reflux esophagitis, if experiencing palpitations or a feeling of heart flutter, are advised to complete an electrocardiogram to rule out the possibility of heart disease. If heart disease causing these symptoms has been ruled out, then one may visit the hospital and consider taking oral proton pump inhibitors to suppress stomach acid secretion, reducing the erosive impact of acid reflux on the esophagus. Additionally, one can take protective agents for the stomach and esophageal mucosa, such as magnesium trisilicate, etc. The specific choice of medication and dosage should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Patients with reflux esophagitis should avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc.

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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 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.