Esophagitis simply means esophagus lining inflammation, irritation or swelling. Your esophagus is a muscular tube that delivers food from your mouth to stomach. So, difficulty swallowing is one of its likely symptoms.
Esophagitis has a handful of common causes for symptoms:
- infections ~ candida, herpes, cytomegalovirus
- eosinophilic esophagitis ~ allergic inflammatory disease
- chemotherapy & radiation cancer treatment ~ throat, lung
- eating disorders causes errosive esophagitis due to frequent vomiting
- GERD ~ acid reflux causes errosive esophagitis due to digestive acid back flow
Some medications can also cause swallowing pain esophagitis chemical burns in your throat, like
- aspirin
- ibuprofen
- potassium
- iron supplements
- doxycycline ~ antibiotic
- alendronate ~osteoporosis
- quinidine ~ abnormal heart rhythms
Esophagitis from an infection is prevalent if:
- have HIV
- had organ transplant
- treated with chemotherapy
- long term use of steroids, corticosteroids, prednisone
The primary symptoms of reflux type erosive esophagitis are:
- heartburn
- center chest pain
- painful swallowing
- swallowing difficulty
- feeling of food sticking
- burning throat sensation
- bleeding ~ vomit or stools
- throat pain ~ heavy or sharp
Your pain may worsen after meals or when you lie down. It can be constant or come and go.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is caused by elevated eosinophils in your esophagus, which are not normally present there. Its most frequent symptoms are:
Many who suffer from eosinophili esophagitis also have seasonal allergies, rhinitis, asthma or eczema.
Candida esophagitis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. This yeast strikes the esophagus by spreading from your mouth. Your risk increases for a Candida infection if you have:
- AIDS
- diabetes
- leukemia
- lymphoma
- chemotherapy
- organ transplants
- any condition that suppresses immune system
Oral thrush or a yeast infection are precursors for esophagitis if your immune system is compromised.
Symptoms of Candida esophagitis consist of:
- fever
- oral thrush
- painful swallowing
- difficulty swallowing
Herpes esophagitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and involves esophagus inflammation and ulcers. This viral infection is rare in those with healthy immune systems.
But, if your immune system is suppressed or weakened, these herpes esophagitis symptoms may become severely persistent:
- fever
- chills
- joint pain
- mouth herpes
- painful swallowing
- swallowing problems
Cytomegalovirus esophagitis is a viral infection caused by the cytomegalovirus. Again, this condition usually affects those with weakened immune systems.
Typical cytomegalovirus esophagitis symptoms include:
- mouth sores
- low grade fever
- difficult, painful swallowing
Treatment depends on the cause of your difficulty swallowing esophagitis. Acid reflux causing erosive esophagitis is treated with H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitor drugs.
Infection caused esophagitis is treated with specific antibiotics or antivirals. If swallowing is too difficult, these drugs can be delivered intravenously.
If taking medications is your esophagitis instigator, then drinking more water helps. Or a temporary stoppage may be a necessary form of treatment. Of course, discuss any stoppage of prescription meds with your health care professional first.
Usually, difficulty swallowing esophagitis symptoms begin to subside within a couple of days after commencing proper treatment. Since the most common cause of esophagitis is acid reflux, these very simple measures may help prevent recurrence:
- control your weight
- no alcohol, cigarettes
- stop eating a couple of hours before bedtime
- limit caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, high fat foods
Should your heartburn continue, talk to your health care professional about acid blocking drugs.
