How long does it take to cure esophagitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The treatment period for esophagitis is generally around 4 to 6 weeks, and is considered appropriate. Most patients, especially after 4 to 6 weeks, can control the symptoms of esophagitis through active medication treatment. Of course, a small number of patients, due to their physical condition such as obesity, may have severe reflux symptoms and might need long-term oral medication, such as antacids, maintaining the effects with the minimum dosage generally sufficient to control symptoms. It is recommended that patients consume easily digestible food, avoid overeating, eat smaller meals more frequently, and pay attention to their posture after meals to control the symptoms of esophagitis through diet. If this is ineffective, patients are advised to control symptoms with oral medications and maintain with the minimum dosage for life; generally, this can be controlled and surgical intervention is not necessary. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 15sec home-news-image

What to eat with esophagitis?

For patients with esophagitis, it is recommended that they eat an easily digestible, clean diet, but they should eat smaller, more frequent meals and not overeat. After eating, patients should pay attention to their body position; it is advised not to lie down flat immediately after eating. Instead, sit for half an hour or engage in light activity before lying down once any significant bloating has improved. For food, it is suggested that patients eat easily digestible, clean foods such as rice noodles and pasta, and avoid high sugar and high-fat intake. If symptoms are still pronounced, oral medications can be added, such as those that protect the intestinal mucosa, protect the stomach mucosa, and improve gastrointestinal motility. For most patients, the above treatments can provide some relief and control of symptoms like regurgitation and heartburn in esophagitis. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What is good to eat for esophagitis?

For esophagitis, first pay attention to dietary hygiene. Meals should be regular, and consume soft, easily digestible foods, such as noodles, rice soup, and vegetable soup. Avoid dry, hard, cold, overly hot, and gas-producing foods, such as bean products, milk, and nuts. Also, eat fresh vegetables and adequately supplement plant-based fiber, reduce the intake of high-fat foods, and avoid smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and other irritant foods. Make sure to eat on a schedule, in small, frequent meals.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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How is esophagitis treated?

The treatment of esophagitis primarily consists of dietary adjustments and the selection of medications. Dietary recommendations suggest that patients consume clean, easily digestible foods, avoid binge eating, and refrain from the intake of pickled foods, cultivating good lifestyle and eating habits. Medication options include acid-suppressing, mucosal-protecting, and gastrointestinal motility-improving drugs, with an initial treatment duration of two to four weeks. Esophagitis is relatively common in clinical settings, typically seen in gastroenterology outpatient clinics, with symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, nausea, and belching being more common. Among these, heartburn is a typical symptom, characterized by a burning pain in the esophageal or pre-chest area, usually episodic and related to diet, with symptoms often occurring after meals. Diagnosis relies primarily on gastroscopy, thus it is recommended that patients considered to have esophagitis undergo timely gastroscopic examination to further clarify the condition. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part to massage for esophagitis

Esophagitis can be treated by massaging the Laogong acupoint, which can promote blood circulation and relieve mental tension. Alternatively, the Daling acupoint can improve gastric motility and aid symptoms of indigestion effectively. Furthermore, esophagitis can also be managed by massaging the Zhongwan acupoint, a commonly used point for spleen and stomach disorders, capable of treating various symptoms. The Zhongwan acupoint is located on the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, at the midpoint between the lower end of the sternum and the navel. Therefore, it is essential to massage daily, approximately 10 to 15 minutes each time, with gentle clockwise motions.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Is esophagitis prone to recurrence?

Reflux esophagitis can recur frequently. Generally, mild reflux esophagitis can often be cured through adjustments in diet and lifestyle habits as well as medication treatment, and it will not recur. If it is moderate to severe reflux esophagitis, the effectiveness of medication may be insufficient, leading to persistent recurrence. Additional factors such as dietary and lifestyle habits, including smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming spicy foods, excessive fatigue, etc., can also cause recurrence. The presence of certain diseases can further exacerbate the occurrence of reflux esophagitis, such as dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, and insufficient gastric motility, all of which may lead to recurrent symptoms.