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What is esophagitis?<\/h2>\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTVCbHdwdG9jJTVE[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What is esophagitis?<\/h2>\nEsophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this condition can lead to difficulty swallowing, pain, ulcers or scarring of the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus, a complication of acid reflux, which is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727687368054{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.<\/p>\n
Once your doctor conducts a detailed clinical examination and reviews your medical history, several tests can be used to diagnose esophagitis. These include:<\/p>\n
Endoscopy:<\/strong> An examination in which a long, flexible, lighted tube called a gastroscope is used to examine the esophagus.<\/p>\n Biopsy<\/strong>: During this examination, a small sample of esophageal tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination.<\/p>\n X-ray with barium swallow<\/strong>: During this test, X-rays of the esophagus are taken after the patient drinks a barium solution. This allows doctors to see any abnormalities.<\/p>\n Treatment for esophagitis depends on the cause. Medications that block acid production may be recommended, or other medications for infectious causes of esophagitis. While you are being treated for esophagitis, there are certain steps you can take to minimize any discomfort you may experience.<\/p>\n The causes of esophagitis usually respond to treatment. However, some causes, such as acid reflux, may require long-term treatment.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727687474093{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Barrett’s esophagus is a pathological change in the lining of the lower esophagus. It is believed to develop primarily as a result of chronic exposure of the esophagus to gastric acid reflux.<\/p>\n Chronic exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid and other unknown factors results in recurrent mucosal injury. This injury is accompanied by inflammation and, eventually, a cellular change (metaplasia) to a specialized type of columnar epithelium.<\/p>\n Some patients with Barrett’s esophagus may also develop additional precancerous changes called dysplasia. Over time, a small percentage of patients with Barrett’s esophagus may develop esophageal cancer. Your doctor may recommend radiofrequency ablation to treat Barrett’s esophagus with dysplasia (low-grade or high-grade) to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n Barrett’s esophagus refers to changes in the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the inner wall of the esophagus in the area where it connects to the stomach. It is caused by chronic reflux of stomach and small intestine contents into the esophagus.<\/p>\n Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition that can lead to the development of esophageal cancer in some patients. The risk of developing cancer is approximately 0.12 to 0.27% annually. There are several risk factors for the development of Barrett’s esophagus, including:<\/p>\n Patients with Barrett’s esophagus may have no symptoms other than those associated with GERD. These include a burning sensation below the chest and acid regurgitation. Some people with GERD may also have difficulty swallowing.<\/p>\n This symptom requires immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms generally improve with medications that reduce stomach acid.<\/p>\n The only way to confirm the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus is through a test called upper endoscopy (gastroscopy). This involves inserting a small, thin, lighted tube (endoscope) through the throat into the esophagus to look for changes in the inner lining (mucosa) of the esophagus.<\/p>\n While the appearance of the esophagus may resemble Barrett’s esophagus, the diagnosis must be confirmed with small tissue samples (biopsy) taken through the endoscope. The pathologist will examine the tissue to make the diagnosis.<\/p>\n Treatment of Barrett’s esophagus is similar to the treatment of GERD. This includes lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods, not eating late at night, and quitting smoking, combined with the use of medications that reduce acid production in the stomach.<\/p>\n Patients with Barrett’s esophagus need medications to reduce acid, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole. These medications are usually taken before breakfast once a day or, in some cases, before breakfast and dinner. Medications known as H2 receptor antagonists are not as effective in reducing acid in the esophagus caused by Barrett’s esophagus, but they may relieve symptoms for some patients.<\/p>\n Radiofrequency ablation is offered for patients with dysplasia. Radiofrequency ablation (radio waves) is performed through a catheter in the esophagus to destroy the abnormal tissue while minimizing damage to the healthy tissue of the esophagus.<\/p>\n While the patient is under sedation, a device is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus to deliver a controlled level of energy and power to remove a thin layer of diseased tissue. The ability to provide a controlled amount of heat to the diseased tissue is a mechanism by which this treatment has a lower complication rate compared to other forms of therapeutic intervention.<\/p>\n Larger areas of pathological Barrett’s tissue are treated with a balloon catheter. Smaller areas are treated with a tapered end of the catheter. Both catheters are inserted through the endoscope during the gastroscopy, where the thin, flexible tube is inserted through the patient’s mouth.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727687591142{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The radiofrequency ablation procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes to perform. You may experience discomfort in the chest, pain, and difficulty swallowing for a few days after the procedure. These symptoms can be managed with medications and typically resolve within 3 to 4 days. The doctor will prescribe antacid medications to help heal the esophagus. For most people, healthy tissue replaces the diseased tissue within 3 or 4 weeks.<\/p>\n Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following after the procedure:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Related Posts<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]How is esophagitis treated?<\/h2>\n
These include:<\/h3>\n
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What is the prognosis for people with esophagitis?<\/h2>\n
Barrett’s Esophagus<\/h1>\n
What is Barrett’s esophagus and how is it treated?<\/h2>\n
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After the procedure Recovery<\/h1>\n
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