Have you ever felt a burning pain in your chest, especially after a big meal or taking medication? You may be experiencing oesophagitis, a condition that affects 10-30 per cent of people.
“Oesophagitis is an inflammation of the oesophagus or food pipe, especially in the lower third,” says Dr Amol Dahale, consultant gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital in Pune. When stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, it can damage the inner lining, leading to irritation and inflammation.
What causes oesophagitis?
Several factors can contribute to this condition:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux is the most common cause. Over time, the acids erode the oesophageal lining.
- Medications: Certain painkillers, antibiotics, and other drugs can directly irritate the oesophagus.
- Infections: In rare cases, a fungal infection can trigger inflammation.
- Allergies: An allergic reaction to foods like milk, eggs, or peanuts can cause eosinophilic esophagitis. Eosinophils are white blood cells that release inflammatory chemicals.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity, a high-fat diet, and stress can also exacerbate acid reflux and oesophagitis, notes Dr Dahale.
Recognising the symptoms
Oesophagitis can cause a range of symptoms:
- Heartburn and chest pain, especially behind the breastbone
- Sore throat and difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
- Changes in taste
- Chronic cough
- Worsening of asthma
If untreated, oesophagitis can lead to ulcers, and a narrowing of the oesophagus called strictures. “Few people in the long run develop oesophageal cancer also. Oesophagitis leads to the pre-cancerous condition called Barrett oesophagus, which ultimately develops into cancer,” says Dr Dahale.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you have persistent symptoms, your doctor will take a medical history and may recommend an endoscopy. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera down your throat to examine the oesophageal lining. Damage is graded from mild to severe. A biopsy can check for eosinophils to allergic oesophagitis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Oral medications are effective in 90 per cent of cases, says Dr Dahale. “Acid suppressing medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) given for eight weeks are sufficient to treat reflux oesophagitis,” he adds. Antifungal drugs can clear up candida infections.
Lifestyle changes to manage oesophagitis
In addition to medications, your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce acid reflux and promote healing:
- Losing excess weight to reduce pressure on the stomach
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Switching to softer, less spicy foods to avoid irritating damaged tissue
- Completely eliminating trigger foods in the case of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Do not ignore the symptoms
If you are plagued by frequent heartburn or chest pain, do not ignore it. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the inflammation and discomfort of oesophagitis can be healed. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist or interfere with your daily life. A few simple changes can help you find relief from the burning pain of acid reflux.
