What are the symptoms of reflux esophagitis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 01, 2025
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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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Reflux esophagitis is caused by what?

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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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.

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Is reflux esophagitis serious in lab results?

Reflux esophagitis of grade LA B is not very severe, indicating one or more esophageal mucosal injuries, approximately five millimeters in length, but without confluence lesions. Patients with reflux esophagitis should take medication regularly, must undergo periodic gastroscopy, and the selection of specific medications and their dosage should be under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly, proton pump inhibitors can be used to suppress gastric acid secretion, and medications like aluminum hydroxide magnesium carbonate can be used to protect the gastric and esophageal mucosa. Additionally, drugs like mosapride and itopride can be used to promote esophageal motility, as well as gastric motility.

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Can people with reflux esophagitis eat sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes can increase the secretion of stomach acid, and it is not recommended for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to consume sweet potatoes. GERD is a type of gastroesophageal reflux disease that refers to the damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by the reflux of acid or alkali. During an endoscopy, defects in the esophageal mucosa, or ulcers, can be observed. GERD is graded based on the size of these ulcers and the extent of erosion, with four levels of severity. The larger the damage, the higher the grade, indicating a more severe case of GERD. Therefore, those with GERD must be cautious about their diet. It is essential to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid strong tea and coffee, and try not to consume foods that are rich, greasy, fried, spicy, or grilled. Foods like milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, and sweet potatoes, which can increase the secretion of stomach acid, are also not recommended. Thus, it is advised that people with GERD avoid consuming sweet potatoes.

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Can gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis be detected by a CT scan?

Reflux esophagitis generally cannot be detected on a CT scan unless it is very severe, at which point it may be evident on a CT. Diagnosis of reflux esophagitis is primarily through gastroscope examination, where damage and erosion of the esophageal mucosa can be observed. Patients with severe reflux esophagitis may experience symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and a burning sensation behind the sternum. Additional diagnostic methods include upper gastrointestinal barium meal imaging and tissue pathology biopsy. An electrocardiogram can also be performed to rule out the possibility of conditions such as angina.