Esophagitis

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Esophagus

Esophagus and stomach anatomy

Inflammation - esophagus

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Reflux disease may require medications to reduce acid. Infections will require antibiotics.

The disorders that cause esophagitis usually respond to treatment.

If untreated, esophagitis may cause severe discomfort, swallowing difficulty to the extent of causing malnutrition or dehydration, and eventual scarring of the esophagus. This scarring may lead to a stricture of the esophagus, and food or medications may not be able to pass through to the stomach.

A condition called Barrett's esophagus can develop after years of gastroesophageal reflux. Rarely, Barrett's esophagus may lead to cancer of the esophagus.

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms that suggest esophagitis.

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.