Esophagitis what is it? Esophagitis: symptoms and treatment

Regardless of etiology inflammation of the esophagus specialists determine the General term “disease”. What is the pathological condition? What symptoms may indicate the presence of disease? How to deal with it? All this we will discuss in the article.

Types of esophagitis

All cases of inflammation of the esophagus in medicine systematized, which helps, focusing on the duration of the disease, its severity and location of the pathological process, to make an accurate diagnosis. So, depending on what the nature of the disease, the disease is divided into acute and chronic. Severity of disease is divided into catarrhal (i.e., the surface) and erosive (in this case, the patient is affected by the deeper layers of the mucous membrane) esophagitis. Depending on the location of the inflamed area in the lining of the esophagus disease is total (if the whole esophagus), proximal (inflamed upper division) and distal reflux esophagitis (pathology in the lower esophagus).

Acute, subacute and chronic form of the disease

The Most common form is acute esophagitis. The inflammation may be superficial and deep, but always distinguished by the suddenness and rapidity of development of symptoms. Developing such inflammation due to burns of the mucosa caused by the ingestion of hot food, drink or chemicals, infectious diseases (e.g., diphtheria), trauma, foreign body or to radiation injury. Acute esophagitis is usually without serious consequences or complications for the patient.

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Prolonged inflammation of the walls of the esophagus has a subacute or chronic form. The first can develop the systematic eating too spicy foods, strong alcohol, or its surrogate, and the like. A chronic disease is most often caused by reflux (that is, the reverse movement of food from the stomach into the esophagus). Usually this disease accompanies man for many years, gradually leading to profound changes in work and structure of the esophagus.

Chronic reflux esophagitis

This is a burn that occurs because of repetitive discharge or flow into the esophagus, gastric or intestinal contents. Peptic esophagitis is called relative, and sometimes absolute failure obturator possibilities of cardiac sphincter that separates the esophagus and stomach. A very important role in the development of specified chronic diseases plays an ever-increasing intragastric pressure and a disruption of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, this pathology is combined with hernia food hole in the diaphragm, peptic ulcer or gallstone disease and pancreatitis.

Esophagitis: cardia failure

We would like to focus on the concept of "insufficiency of the cardia." The upper portion of the stomach is called kardiya. There is a sphincter that closes the opening between the esophagus and the stomach. During normal operation, the food he misses the ball only one way, securely locking him to pass back. A special valve, cuts off the movement in the esophagus, does not exist. Anatomically the mechanism of sphincter function of the cardia is supported by the following structures:

• Esophageal sphincter;
• Diaphragmatic-esophageal bundle;
• “mucous membrane socket" (folds of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, which is lowered into the lumen of the stomach, playing the role of an additional valve);
• Normal location of the esophagus relative to the diaphragm;
• Circular muscles of the upper part of the stomach.

If any of these structures is bad, then there is a failure of the cardia. And this is one of the major aspects in the development of esophagitis. Due to the fact that the pressure in the stomach in the norm is always higher than in the thoracic cavity, loose or deformed due to some reason sphincter allows the contents to come back and burn the unprotected lining of the esophagus. And the repeated recurrence of this process causes serious pathological changes in this part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes of ulcerative esophagitis

If emissions of acid content has become chronic, the disease can penetrate deeply into the lining of the esophagus and, over time, formed by erosion or ulcer. However, the causes of ulcerative esophagitis, – it's not only emissions, but also surgery, hernia diaphragmatic holes, duodenal ulcer and stomach, infectious diseases, chemical burns, excessive intake of spicy food and damage incurred as a result of introduction of the probe or in the process of radiation therapy.

The disease has several degrees that characterize it:

• First degree manifests the appearance of a separate, do not merge with each other erosions in the lower part of the esophagus.
• Erosive esophagitis 2nd degree is expressed by the appearance of a confluent erosions, which may not capture all the mucous.
• Third degree is accompanied by ulcerative lesions in the lower third of the esophagus;
• Fourth degree – it is a state of chronic ulcers and stenosis (narrowing of the esophagus).

Causes andthe consequences of Candida esophagitis

The Disease occurs not only due to functional disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be caused by infections that have penetrated from the outside, or even “family” bacteria that started in because of some of the reasons for the rapid growth. If the causative agent of the inflammatory process in the esophagus is Candida diagnose Candida esophagitis. It's the same yeast infection, but located on the walls of the esophagus. Fungi-Candida survive in the human tissue very easily and in violation of the microflora of the digestive tract begin rapid development. Alcohol, hormones (including birth control) funds or antibacterial drugs can cause changes in the microflora and, consequently, the development of fungal infection.

Candida esophagitis usually not life threatening, but cause a lot of trouble. Due to fungal inflammation may develop scarring and, as a consequence, shortening of the esophagus. And this situation greatly increases the risk of axial hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm. Vulvovaginal inflammation can cause ulcers, internal bleeding and perforation of the described parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

How dangerous is esophagitis?

I would like to stress that in any case cannot be underestimated esophagitis (which is a serious disease, I hope you already knew). It is not "endure” or to drown out the intake of some drugs. The described condition is in medicine, the most massive pathology of the esophagus, which leads to serious complications, such as, for example, a stricture (stenosis, stricture). Later it causes the patient difficulty swallowing and, therefore, requires reconstructive surgery. Also needs surgery another life-threatening complication-perforation (perforation) of the wall of the esophagus. Statistics show that ten percent of patients with esophagitis develop so-called Barrett's esophagus, which is characterized by degeneration of the cells of its mucosa into cells characteristic of the intestinal mucosa. This condition in medicine is considered pre-cancerous.

How to determine the presence of esophagitis

All the above types of the disease are common signs that should make sick suspected esophagitis. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology will be discussed below. Therapy should be carried out only under the supervision of the gastroenterologist.

• Usually the first thing noticed by the patients – heartburn or chest pain that appear after a meal or on an empty stomach. They are usually worse when bending forward, heavy lifting at night (supine). In severe cases, heartburn is takes constant.
• Quickens belching air, an unpleasant mouth odor ("rotten egg") and almost constant bitter taste. Periodically regurgitation of a small amount of food.
• The language forms a whitish bloom.
• In the stomach feel the pressure, also there is pain in the upper abdomen.
• Often after meals, nausea and urge to vomit (the vomit may appear streaks of blood).
• Pain on swallowing.
• Frequent refluxes appear cough, hoarseness of voice, develop a sore throat and bronchitis from getting into the respiratory tract of the intestinal content, which causes burns.

All of these symptoms may be exacerbated, for example, after a Cup of coffee, smoked cigarettes, hot, hard or spicy food. Frequent complaints of increased symptoms in stressful situations. It is clear that the set of symptoms in different patients may vary. It depends on the severity of the violations in the esophagus, and localization of the inflammatory process, and concomitant diseases.

How to distinguish a disease from other diseases

Taking into account that the symptoms characteristic of the described disease, can be observed in some other pathologies in the internal organs unrelated to the esophagitis and requiring very different treatment, it is necessary to clarify some details.

• Pain in the esophagitis felt not in the stomach, and immediately behind the breastbone, in the chest.
• Usually the heartburn – is the main symptom of the disease described. If along with the burning sensation in the chest you will have a very strong weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, or rather to assume that there is no esophagitis.
• If the burning sensation in the chest comes from physical exertion, then it could be a symptom of angina.

In some cases, appeal to the gastroenterologist necessarily

Hope esophagitis, symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article will not lead you to serious consequences. For this you need time to go to the doctor! Do not delay with the visit to a specialist, if the heartburn become permanent and poorly amenable to removal medicines; her attacks are not always explainable; you have difficulty swallowing; your voice has changed, and the weight is markedly reduced; in the vomit blood appeared; the temperature rose to 38°C and above; you have lasting hiccups; the stool became liquid and became black.

What diseases may be accompanied by inflammationesophagus

By the Way, you need to mention about the disease that the disease often appears in patients who already have some problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Usually, we are talking about ailments, stimulating increased aggression of gastric juice or its accompanied by excessive formation. The same applies to the disruption of the motility of the gastroduodenal area (stomach and duodenum), a slowed emptying. All this contributes to the stretching of the stomach and, consequently, causing reflux.

To diseases, contributing to the development of esophagitis include gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, diaphragmatic hernia, hiatal, cholecystitis and other diseases. By the way, pregnant women in the later stages of fetal development is also a high risk of developing reflux esophagitis. This is due to the increase in women's intra-abdominal pressure.

What to do if you have a concomitant esophagitis

We have already mentioned that esophagitis is often a complex disease which manifests itself on the background of other problems of the gastrointestinal tract. So if you have a co-diagnosis "gastritis-esophagitis”, then the treatment should be complex. The drugs are selected in accordance with the cause of gastritis and acidity, accompanying this disease. In therapy include medicines that relieves heartburn, stabilizing the motility of the esophagus and stomach, as well as substances that accelerate healing of the mucosa. The same tips apply to treatment when the diagnosis of “gastro-esophagitis”. It is important in treating these diseases with diet No. 1, which involves gentle fractional power. It is strictly prohibited overeating, and the last meal must be made no later than two hours before bedtime.

How is the diagnosis of esophagitis

Esophagitis, the symptoms and treatment which we cover in the article, does not usually present difficulties in diagnosis. After the doctor listen to your concerns and will study the history, it needs to do some research. These include endoscopy of the esophagus, which will show changes in the mucous membrane, and an x-ray with contrast medium (barium). During the last procedure is that the well-marked abnormalities in the esophagus: its swelling and the presence of large amounts of mucus. And the development of the sores are visible the flowing of contrast medium into its crater.

How to treat esophagitis in the acute form

The Main task – to eliminate the causes of disease, and in the future the patient needs to follow a strict diet. We are talking about the use of soft pureed food, which should be at room temperature. Excluded from the diet all products, irritating the lining of the esophagus, including containing a large amount of fiber, as well as fried foods, carbonated water and alcohol. Smoking for those suffering from this disease is dangerous! Patients with a diagnosis of "esophagitis" medications that influence the tone of the esophageal sphincter, are appointed by prior agreement with the doctor. It can be sedatives or tranquilizers, prostaglandins and so on. Patients it is advisable to sleep on the bed with a high headboard, do not wear tight clothing, try not to lie down after a meal and less likely to bend.

Treatment of chronic esophagitis

In the absence of stenosis, perforation, bleeding and other treatment is the chronic form of the disease is favorable. Usually take drugs that block the production of acid, antifungal or antiviral medicines, antibiotics. Also prescribed painkillers and medications. To reduce the inflammatory process corticosteroids are recommended. If you have difficulty swallowing the patient is carried out intravenously. In cases where a disease is caused by the presence of a hernia of esophageal opening in the diaphragm, the operation is performed. Surgical intervention is also justified if unsuccessful conservative treatment, presence of complications such as bleeding or stricture and in the development of such dangerous diseases as the “Barrett's esophagus”. Conservative therapy good idea to combine with traditional recipes that helped to improve the patient's condition.

Treatment of folk remedies

The popular treatment of esophagitis – usually, recipes to relieve inflammation, alleviation of painful symptoms and eliminating heartburn. So, to repair the lining of the esophagus healers recommend a decoction of oregano, leaves of walnut and oak. They are mixed in equal proportions and carefully milled. One dessert spoon of the mixture pour boiling water and soak for fifteen minutes in a water bath. Take this warm decoction of two tablespoons before a meal or immediately after it.

In order to remove the swelling caused by the inflammatory process, take a mixture of oregano, alder and Ivan-da-Marya. They are mixed in equal quantities and ground. In the same way as in the previous recipe, spoon mixture, filled with hot water kept in a water bath and take up to seven times a day.

Perfectly removes inflammation and aloe. It is used by mixing with honey or without it just dissolving a piece of the peeled sheet. And although it is not very tasty, but this tool will help very effectively.

The pain in his stomach savethe root of calamus swamp. One teaspoon crushed root pour a glass of boiling water and allow to cool. Strain, take the still-warm half a Cup half an hour before meals. And remember that throughout the day you should drink at least two cups of this infusion.

Finally Some tips

In addition to the above-described treatment options to alleviate it may be advisable to comply with some requirements:

• Food should be soft, not spicy and not sour;
• Eliminate from the diet juices, replacing them with fruit drinks containing vitamin C;
• Eat food in small pieces and chew carefully;
• Difficulty swallowing throw back his head back, then the food will pass through the back of the throat, swallowing easier;
• Liquid drink through a straw.

From the article, you learned about the disease such as esophagitis, what is it, what are the causes, symptoms and solutions disease. Remember: the treatment requires discipline. In addition to taking the prescribed specialist drugs and traditional medicine, patients must follow prescribed diet and to avoid Smoking and alcohol. The only way the disease is hindering you to live a full life retreat. Good luck and good health!