Inflammation of the esophagus can cause permanent damage to the tissues that line the elastic canal that carries the food you eat to your stomach. In addition to making swallowing uncomfortable and difficult, esophagitis can also induce chest pain. Esophagitis can be brought on by a number of factors, including refluxed stomach acid, infection, certain drugs are taken orally, and allergies. The level of tissue damage and the underlying etiology of esophagitis dictate the treatment options available. Esophagitis, if untreated, can harm the inside of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow and preventing food and liquid from traveling down the esophagus and into the stomach. Other problems might arise from esophagitis, including scarring or constriction of the esophagus and difficulties swallowing. Endoscopy Brownsville is your one-stop shop for digestive health checks and preventative care. The organization also offers help to residents with gastrointestinal issues like GERD and heartburn in Brooklyn.
Predisposing Factors
Esophagitis risk factors change based on the underlying disease.
Esophageal reflux disease
It can be due to certain variables that also increase the likelihood of acid reflux:
- Nighttime eating
- Unhealthy portions of food high in fat
- Causes related to eating habits, such as an excessive intake of booze, coffee, chocolate, or mint-flavored foods
- Added poundage, whether from the diet, exercise, or pregnancy
- Smoking
Reflux disease or esophagitis can be made worse by eating certain foods.
- Fruits with a high citric acid content
- Foods based on tomatoes
- A mixture of garlic and onions
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Hot and spicy cuisine
- Chocolate
- Consumables with a minty flavor
Eosinophilic esophagitis caused by medication
Problems with swallowing or regurgitation can increase the likelihood of drug-induced esophagitis. Included in this group are:
- The practice of taking a tablet with minimal or no water
- Taking medications before bed may cause dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, at least in part, because of the reduction in saliva production and muscle activity that occurs while asleep.
- Ingestion of medications when supine
- Pills that are unusually shaped or size
- Age-related alterations to esophageal muscle tone or a decline in saliva production may make swallowing more difficult as we get older.
Chronic esophageal inflammation with eosinophilia
Eosinophilic esophagitis, or esophagitis brought on by allergies, may have these risk factors:
- Genetic predisposition to eosinophilic esophagitis
- A family history of allergies that includes hay fever, asthma, and eczema
Esophageal infection
Antibiotics and steroids, in particular, have been linked to an increased risk of infection in esophagitis. Candida esophagitis is a condition that is more common in those with diabetes.
The inadequate immune function has been linked to other potential infectious esophagitis causes. A malfunctioning immune system, HIV/AIDS, or some types of cancer could be at fault. Some cancer treatments and immunosuppressants intended to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients may also increase the likelihood of contracting infected esophagitis.
When treating esophagitis, it is important to first determine what triggered it. In order to treat it, you could try:
- Therapy
This will help pinpoint what’s making your esophagitis flare up.
- Medication supplements
Medicines to reinforce the end of the esophagus sphincter may be recommended by your doctor. This prevents acid from being reabsorbed by the body.
- Drugs that prevent acid reflux
- Dilation
During an endoscopy, the esophagus may be stretched.
- Specific foods are being avoided
If your esophagitis is due to an allergy, this is an absolute must.
- Lie with your head a bit higher than your feet by raising the height of the bed’s head.
- Modifications to one’s way of life
The following are some of the suggestions your doctor may make if he or she determines that GERD is the root cause of your esophagitis:
- Put out your cigarette
- Modifications to a healthy lifestyle
- Modify your diet to reduce esophageal acidity and discomfort. It’s possible that you’ll need to adopt a bland diet devoid of coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, and fat for a period
- Stay away from, or at least cut back on the booze
- Get out and about more
- Surgery
If you experience hemorrhage or stenosis of the esophagus, your doctor may advise surgery. As a result, it may be suggested if the proliferation of precancerous cells requires it.
If you are facing any of these esophageal health issues, you can visit the qualified Gastroenterologists at Doral Health and Wellness, which is located at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. The Gastroenterologists at the Endoscopy Treatment Center in Brooklyn have an excellent reputation. You can also find a Colonoscopy Specialist in Brooklyn, should you require one. Please contact us at (347) 868-1016 or visit http://www.gastroenterologybrooklyn.com/ if you or a loved one are in need of expert care.