The esophagus plays an essential role inside the body, as it is the tube that sends food from the mouth to the stomach. However, inflammation or irritation may occur in the esophagus, which may lead to reflux of stomach contents and the appearance of gastric ulcers Symptoms of esophagitis . This is known as esophagitis.

Facts about esophagitis

• 2 to 5% of people with esophagitis over the age of 50 get esophagitis.
• Symptoms of esophagitis can occur as a result of some types of allergies.
• Being overweight (obesity) can increase the risk of developing esophagitis.
• The appropriate treatment is determined according to the cause of the esophagitis.

Causes of esophagitis

Esophagitis results from irritation in the esophageal tube, bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, or as a result of diseases that cause a weakened immune system. Examples of these diseases are:

1. Candidiasis: It is a fungal infection caused in the esophagus by the fungus Candida albicans, which also causes vaginal yeast infections. There are other types of this mushroom, but it is the most common type.

2. Herpes infection: It is a viral infection that can develop in the esophagus, especially if the immune system is weakened. However, it can be treated with antiviral drugs.

3. Weakened Immune System: due to diabetes, AIDS or leukemia.

4. Chemotherapy: When some diseases require chemotherapy or radiotherapy on the chest.

5. Hereditary diseases: from allergies or esophagitis.

Esophagitis may also occur as a result For several other factors such as:

• Surgical intervention
• vomiting
• Obesity
• hernia
• Radiation therapy
• Take some medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Ingestion of a toxic substance such as caustic or cleaning agents
• Smoking or drinking alcohol

Symptoms of esophagitis

Symptoms vary according to the level and severity of esophagitis, and how long they last depends on the extent of success in getting rid of the causative agent of the condition. Symptoms of esophagitis may begin to improve within a few days of starting treatment, but it may take a few weeks until the symptoms are completely eliminated. The most common symptoms are:

• Nausea
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing
• Anorexia
• sore throat
• heartburn
• mouth ulcers
• Chest pain (behind the breastbone) that usually occurs when eating
• Bleeding that manifests as blood in vomit or darkening of the stool

In infants and children, symptoms may include difficulty feeding, vomiting, and failure to thrive. So, if any of these symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

As the delay in treating esophagitis may lead to serious health complications such as ulcers in the esophagus, esophageal obstruction, and damage to the lining of the esophagus, which can lead to tissue carcinogenesis.

Diagnosis of esophagitis

The doctor may request a comprehensive examination and review of the medical history of the case. It is the types of tests Which can be used to diagnose esophagitis:

1. Endoscope

Which is used to examine the esophagus with a long, luminous, flexible tube.

2. Examination by biopsy

It is used to take a small sample of esophageal tissue for examination in the laboratory under a microscope.

3. X-rays

X-rays are taken after swallowing a barium solution (a dye used to examine the digestive system such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon).

4. Allergy test

Which may include a skin allergy test, to find out which foods should be avoided in the event that they are the cause of the disease, after diagnostic endoscopy. Examples of food allergens are milk, wheat, peanuts, shellfish, and eggs.

Treating esophagitis with medication and medically

Treatment is determined according to the cause leading to esophagitis, Symptoms of esophagitis symptoms include:

1. Medicines that help prevent acid production (proton pump inhibitors), such as heartburn medicines.
2. Antacids.
3. Treating the infection with antibiotics or antifungals.
4. Pain relievers to relieve symptoms.
5. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medications such as cortisone and prednisone.
6. Surgical intervention to remove the damaged part of the esophagus.
7. Intravenous fluids are used to prevent dehydration, malnutrition, and to help the esophagus heal.

Treat esophagitis naturally

Each type of esophagitis may require determining the appropriate treatment method. Therefore, you should consult a doctor in order to develop a natural treatment plan suitable for your condition in order to enhance the functioning of the immune system and the health of digestion. Some general advice:

1. Avoid eating spicy foods such as hot peppers and curries.
2. Avoid consuming acidic drinks such as orange and grapefruit.
3. Chew your food well and take small bites.
4. Drink plenty of water and fluids.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
6. Follow a diet to reduce GERD.
7. You have to stay upright for three hours after eating.
8. Get rid of excess weight.
9. Reducing levels of stress and anxiety.
10. Avoid allergens, and this can be known by conducting an allergy test.

How long does esophagitis treatment take?

How long esophagitis symptoms last depends on many factors, including the underlying cause and the type. People with esophagitis caused by certain types of medication usually feel relief within days of stopping the medication.

However, eosinophilic esophagitis may take a long period of time that may reach a few months or several years, given that it is caused by other problems such as food allergies, for which there is usually no treatment other than relieving symptoms to avoid complications of the disease.