Esophagitis

	Esophagitis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1],Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Soumya Sachdeva

Synonyms and keywords: Oesophagitis

Overview

Esophagitis is defined as inflammation of the esophagus. The inflammation can be due to a variety of causes such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, viruses, or chemical injuries.

The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If caused by GERD, the diseases is also called reflux esophagitis.
Other causes of esophagitis include infections (most commonly candida, herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus). These infections are typically seen in immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV.
Food allergies have also been known to cause esophagitis
Chemical injury by alkaline or acid solutions may also cause esophagitis, and is usually seen in children or in adults who attempt suicide.
Physical injury resulting from radiation therapy or by nasogastric tubes may also be responsible.

Esophagus: Candida: Gross natural color close up of distal esophagus mucosa, an excellent example of candida esophagitis
Esophagitis Candida: Gross natural color close-up, an excellent example

Esophagitis Candida: Gross natural color excellent close-up photo case of acute myelomonocytic leukemia
Necrotizing esophagitis and gastritis, sulfuric acid ingested as suicide attempt

Reflux esophagitis 100 x
Reflux esophagitis 400 x
Necrotizing esophagitis and gastritis, sulfuric acid ingested as suicide attempt

Other causes of esophagitis include infections (most commonly candida, herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus). These infections are typically seen in immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV.
Food allergies have also been known to cause esophagitis
Chemical injury by alkaline or acid solutions may also cause esophagitis, and is usually seen in children or in adults who attempt suicide.
Physical injury resulting from radiation therapy or by nasogastric tubes may also be responsible.

The symptoms of esophagitis include:

Bad breath (halitosis)
Chest pain, in the middle of the chest, often radiating to the back, usually associated with swallowing or soon after a meal
Difficulty swallowing and/or painful swallowing, especially if there is a feeling of food getting stuck on the way down
Hoarseness
Mouth sores
Nausea
Sore throat
Vomiting