Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentRecoveryWhen to Call Your DoctorDietary ChangesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Recovery
When to Call Your Doctor
Dietary Changes
Frequently Asked Questions
In people withgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the most common site of injury is the lining of the lower part of the esophagus, at the junction where the esophagus and stomach meet. The protective lining erodes over time with exposure to stomach acid reflux.
This article will review what causes esophageal ulcers, as well as the symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatment options.
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An esophageal ulcer is a sore or distinct break in the tissue that lines the esophagus. The most common causes of esophageal ulcers are:
It was once thought that spicy food causes esophageal ulcers, but more recent research has disproved this theory, although it may exacerbate the symptoms of a current ulcer.
You may have an esophageal ulcer but experience no symptoms at all, but if you do, the most common symptom is a gnawing or burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) which can be mild or severe. Additional symptoms may include:
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Tests that may be used to diagnose diseases of the esophagus includebarium X-rays(or barium swallow), upperendoscopy, andpH monitoring.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a special type of endoscopy, is the most effective way to diagnose an esophageal ulcer with direct visualization of the mucosa because it is more accurate than a barium X-ray and much simpler than exploratory surgery.
Still, despite being incredibly safe, some people are a bit apprehensive about the idea of “swallowing a scope.” Fortunately, modern medical instruments and sedation have made this minimally invasive procedure one that is amongst the most well-tolerated.
The type of treatment that you will receive for your esophageal ulcer will depend on the cause.
If the cause is GERD, they may prescribe aproton pump inhibitor(PPI) based on the severity of your symptoms. Commonly prescribed PPIs include:
Lifestyle measures are also important when treating symptoms of ulcers due to GERD, as discussed in the dietary changes section below.
If you have a pill-induced ulcer, your healthcare provider may ask you to stop the drug that you are taking. Sometimes that may be enough to resolve your symptoms, and small ulcers may repair on their own over time. In addition, histamine-2 receptor blockers or PPIs may be prescribed to manage your symptoms if they linger or prescribe a different pain medication.
No matter the treatment regimen, it is important that you follow your healthcare provider’s orders and take your medications as prescribed to increase your chance of fully healing.
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You may feel a swift resolution of your symptoms after treatment, but it is important that you complete your course of medication because chronic inflammation can lead to complications including bleeding, perforation or esophageal stricture (narrowing of the lumen of the esophagus) that may need esophageal dilation (a procedure used to stretch out the esophagus using upper endoscopy).
Also, neutralizing and decreasing stomach acid production in the stomach is integral to alleviating your symptoms.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to call your healthcare provider right away:
Of note,mid-esophageal ulcers have a greater tendency to hemorrhage compared with ulcers at the gastroesophageal junction, but there is no way to know that based on your symptoms alone, so if you feel any chronic symptoms of chest pain, new or sudden belly or abdominal discomfort, or your heartburn is not relieved with medication seek immediate medical attention.
Foods to Eat
A diet high in fiber is especially beneficial to those with an esophageal ulcer. The following foods are easy on the digestive symptoms and may even help promote healing:
Foods to Avoid
Spicy foods, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, and caffeine may increase acid reflux. Find your trigger foods and discuss with a healthcare provider how best to avoid them while maintaining a healthy diet.
Summary
An esophageal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that develops on the lining of your esophagus, often at the lower end where the esophagus and stomach connect. GERD is the most common cause of esophageal ulcers, and a burning sensation in the chest is often the first symptom that people experience.
Esophageal ulcers are often the result of chronic GERD or infections, but there are a number of causes that may or may not cause symptoms. No two cases of esophageal ulcers are the same. Some people may take antibiotics and be on their way, while others may require surgery. Either way, esophageal ulcers are quite manageable thanks to advances in modern medicine.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome people may have an esophageal ulcer and experience no symptoms, while others may experience heartburn (especially a burning sensation behind the sternum), nausea and vomiting, and chronic dry cough.No two cases of esophageal ulcer are the same. Healing time is dependent on the specific cause, severity, and response to treatment.
Some people may have an esophageal ulcer and experience no symptoms, while others may experience heartburn (especially a burning sensation behind the sternum), nausea and vomiting, and chronic dry cough.
No two cases of esophageal ulcer are the same. Healing time is dependent on the specific cause, severity, and response to treatment.
2 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.Chiejina M, Samant H.Esophageal ulcer. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet and nutrition for GER and GERD.
2 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.Chiejina M, Samant H.Esophageal ulcer. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet and nutrition for GER and GERD.
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.
Chiejina M, Samant H.Esophageal ulcer. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet and nutrition for GER and GERD.
Chiejina M, Samant H.Esophageal ulcer. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet and nutrition for GER and GERD.
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