Early symptoms of reflux esophagitis

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 13, 2025
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The symptoms of reflux esophagitis mainly include acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain, pain in the upper abdomen, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, belching, etc. Some people may also experience symptoms of indigestion. There are no distinct early or late-stage symptoms; generally, the symptoms are always these manifestations, without a specific progression from early to late stages. The diagnosis primarily relies on gastroscopy. Under gastroscopy, we can observe erosions, hyperemia, or ulcers in the mucosa of the esophagus, which can then be diagnosed as reflux esophagitis. The treatment focuses on promoting gastric motility, acid suppression, stomach protection, and mucosal protection as the main methods. The general course of treatment requires six to eight weeks.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 26sec home-news-image

What medicine is taken for gastritis and reflux esophagitis?

Gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are relatively common in clinical settings. Generally, medications that reduce acid production, protect the mucous membrane, and improve gastrointestinal motility can be chosen for treatment. Of course, dietary advice includes consuming clean, easily digestible foods, cultivating good living and eating habits, and avoiding overeating and binge drinking. Gastritis is more commonly seen clinically, with most patients exhibiting symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. Esophagitis primarily presents with nausea, belching, and burning pain, leading most patients to seek treatment from a gastroenterologist. The fastest diagnosis primarily relies on gastroscopy, which can reveal congestion and edema of the esophageal and gastric mucosa, and even the formation of erosion and ulcers, ruling out diagnoses like esophageal or gastric cancer. Therefore, the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis mainly relies on medications, which are selected after a complete gastroscopy. The typical course of treatment is about four weeks. If symptoms can be controlled, the dosage can be gradually reduced to maintain the minimal effective amount. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 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.