Erosive esophagitis is a type ofesophagitisin which there is damage to the tissue lining. Esophagitis is inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the lining ofthe esophagus, which is the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach.
Erosive esophagitis may cause heartburn and trouble swallowing. It is usually treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of erosive esophagitis, as well as complications to look out for.
Symptoms
Studies indicate that the most common symptoms of esophagitis are heartburn, chest pain, and dysphagia (discomfort swallowing).
Other symptoms of esophagitis may include:
Causes and Risk Factors
The esophageal lining is sensitive, so it’s vulnerable to irritation and swelling.
Several factors can contribute to an increased risk of developing esophagitis:
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical exam, along with going over your medical history, before proceeding to a diagnostic test.
Tests that may be used in the diagnosis of esophagitis include:
The 7 Main Types of Esophagitis
Treatments
Treatment of esophagitis depends on the cause and may include:
While you’re undergoing treatment, your healthcare provider will also discuss lifestyle steps you can take to ease the discomfort of esophagitis.
What to DoEat five or six smaller meals during the day instead of three larger ones.Eat soft foods, such as puddings, applesauce, soups, and custards.Take small bites of food and chew thoroughly before trying to swallow.Drink beverages through a straw.Elevate the head of your bed 8 to 10 inches or sleep on a wedge pillow to help keep stomach contents out of the esophagus during sleep.What to AvoidSpicy foodsAcidic foods and beverages, such as citrus juices and other juices, and tomato-based productsHard foods that can cause pain in the esophagus when swallowed, such as nuts and raw vegetablesTobaccoAlcoholFatty foodsCaffeineChocolate
What to DoEat five or six smaller meals during the day instead of three larger ones.Eat soft foods, such as puddings, applesauce, soups, and custards.Take small bites of food and chew thoroughly before trying to swallow.Drink beverages through a straw.Elevate the head of your bed 8 to 10 inches or sleep on a wedge pillow to help keep stomach contents out of the esophagus during sleep.
Eat five or six smaller meals during the day instead of three larger ones.
Eat soft foods, such as puddings, applesauce, soups, and custards.
Take small bites of food and chew thoroughly before trying to swallow.
Drink beverages through a straw.
Elevate the head of your bed 8 to 10 inches or sleep on a wedge pillow to help keep stomach contents out of the esophagus during sleep.
What to AvoidSpicy foodsAcidic foods and beverages, such as citrus juices and other juices, and tomato-based productsHard foods that can cause pain in the esophagus when swallowed, such as nuts and raw vegetablesTobaccoAlcoholFatty foodsCaffeineChocolate
Spicy foods
Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus juices and other juices, and tomato-based products
Hard foods that can cause pain in the esophagus when swallowed, such as nuts and raw vegetables
Tobacco
Alcohol
Fatty foods
Caffeine
Chocolate
Prognosis
Complications
You should call your healthcare provider if any of the following occurs:
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011Akhondi H.Sloughing esophagitis: a not so common entity.Int J Biomed Sci. 2014;10(4):282–286. PMID: 25598761Philpott H, Kweh B, Thien F.Eosinophilic esophagitis: current understanding and evolving concepts.Asia Pac Allergy. 2017;7(1):3–9. doi:10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.1.3Additional ReadingNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid Reflux (GER and GERD) in Adults.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011Akhondi H.Sloughing esophagitis: a not so common entity.Int J Biomed Sci. 2014;10(4):282–286. PMID: 25598761Philpott H, Kweh B, Thien F.Eosinophilic esophagitis: current understanding and evolving concepts.Asia Pac Allergy. 2017;7(1):3–9. doi:10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.1.3Additional ReadingNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid Reflux (GER and GERD) in Adults.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011Akhondi H.Sloughing esophagitis: a not so common entity.Int J Biomed Sci. 2014;10(4):282–286. PMID: 25598761Philpott H, Kweh B, Thien F.Eosinophilic esophagitis: current understanding and evolving concepts.Asia Pac Allergy. 2017;7(1):3–9. doi:10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.1.3
Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011
Akhondi H.Sloughing esophagitis: a not so common entity.Int J Biomed Sci. 2014;10(4):282–286. PMID: 25598761
Philpott H, Kweh B, Thien F.Eosinophilic esophagitis: current understanding and evolving concepts.Asia Pac Allergy. 2017;7(1):3–9. doi:10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.1.3
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid Reflux (GER and GERD) in Adults.
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