Esophagitis should be seen in the Gastroenterology department.

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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For esophagitis, we generally recommend that patients visit the department of gastroenterology. As the name suggests, esophagitis refers to inflammatory changes in the esophagus, which can have many causes such as diet, medications, and acid reflux, among others. Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing esophagitis; under endoscopy, we can observe congestion, edema, and even erosions in the esophageal mucosa. Severe esophagitis can also present as ulcerations. Clinically, most cases of esophagitis present with heartburn and acid reflux, especially heartburn, which is characterized by a burning pain in the esophageal area. This is usually related to diet and symptoms can worsen after eating, leading most patients to seek care from a gastroenterologist. Additionally, a small portion of patients may experience other gastrointestinal symptoms such as burping and nausea. Thus, it is recommended for patients with esophagitis to undergo a thorough endoscopic examination at a gastroenterology clinic.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 22sec home-news-image

Esophagitis should be seen in the Gastroenterology department.

For esophagitis, we generally recommend that patients visit the department of gastroenterology. As the name suggests, esophagitis refers to inflammatory changes in the esophagus, which can have many causes such as diet, medications, and acid reflux, among others. Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing esophagitis; under endoscopy, we can observe congestion, edema, and even erosions in the esophageal mucosa. Severe esophagitis can also present as ulcerations. Clinically, most cases of esophagitis present with heartburn and acid reflux, especially heartburn, which is characterized by a burning pain in the esophageal area. This is usually related to diet and symptoms can worsen after eating, leading most patients to seek care from a gastroenterologist. Additionally, a small portion of patients may experience other gastrointestinal symptoms such as burping and nausea. Thus, it is recommended for patients with esophagitis to undergo a thorough endoscopic examination at a gastroenterology clinic.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can esophagitis cause chest tightness?

Esophagitis generally does not cause symptoms of chest tightness, as the inflammation in the esophagus typically leads to symptoms of the digestive system, and does not cause disorders of the respiratory or circulatory systems. Clinically, common symptoms of esophagitis include a burning sensation, along with difficulty swallowing and pain behind the breastbone. When the esophagitis is severe, it can lead to a narrowing of the esophageal lumen, causing a choking sensation when swallowing food, and possibly inducing vomiting. The inflammation can cause bleeding, which may manifest as vomiting blood or black stools.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does esophagitis cause constipation?

Esophagitis generally does not cause constipation. However, if a person has esophagitis and their gastrointestinal motility is reduced, constipation may occur. The main symptoms of esophagitis include feeling like there is a foreign object when swallowing, pain when swallowing, and pain behind the sternum. The diet for esophagitis generally consists of semi-liquid or liquid food. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and soft, easily digestible foods, and to avoid raw, cold, and strongly irritant foods. Additionally, it is important to hydrate regularly and choose antibiotics appropriately for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can esophagitis cause coughing?

Esophagitis generally does not cause coughing, as coughing is a symptom of respiratory diseases. Esophagitis mostly causes symptoms of the digestive system, such as heartburn, particularly when eating food, accompanied by painful swallowing, and pain behind the sternum. Severe esophagitis can lead to the narrowing of the esophageal lumen, difficulty swallowing, and may also present with vomiting. Esophagitis can also cause bleeding; bleeding of the mucous membranes can lead to vomiting blood or black stools. Recurrent esophagitis causes a decrease in appetite and impairs absorptive functions, leading to weight loss.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Esophagitis type A

Esophagitis can be classified into four levels of severity: grade A, B, C, and D, with grade A being the mildest and grade D the most severe. For patients with grade A esophagitis, it is recommended that they pay attention to their diet and medication. Dietarily, it is advised that patients consume easily digestible meals, eat smaller portions more frequently, and avoid overeating. Medicinally, options include acid inhibitors, mucosal protectants, and medications that reduce stomach acid. The treatment course is 2 to 4 weeks, and if symptoms can be controlled, the dosage may be appropriately reduced. Clinically, esophagitis is relatively common with typical symptoms being nausea and heartburn, especially heartburn, which is the most frequent. This presents as a burning pain in the esophageal and anterior chest area, generally related to eating, and usually occurs after meals.