Esophagitis in Texas

Several common symptoms or signs of esophagitis in adults involve:

• Heartburn
• Food impaction – food getting trapped in the esophagus
• Pain with and difficulty swallowing
• Acid regurgitation
• Chest pain

Children can also experience esophagitis. Common indications of esophagitis in children could include:

• Difficulty feeding/eating
• Failure to thrive (not developing at a normal pace, malnutrition, etc.

If symptoms persist longer than a few days, over-the-counter heartburn medications aren't working, you have pain when eating, or symptoms are accompanied by flu-like symptoms like fever, aching, and a headache, we urge you to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterologist at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.

The treatment approach for esophagitis centers on reducing the symptoms of esophagitis in the individual. The treatment varies based on the root source of the condition. A number of these treatment options may involve:

• Antibiotics
• Medications that reduce acid production (antacids)
• Prescription-strength acid reflux medications (H-2 receptor blockers)
• Steroids
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Antivirals
• Surgery (to fortify the esophageal sphincter and decrease acid regurgitation)
• Diet control
• Esophageal dilation
• Changing medications (if caused by oral medications)

One leading focus of preventing and treating esophagitis is to minimize acid regurgitation. You could avoid caffeine consumption, mint-flavored beverages and foods, and other foods that initiate acid regurgitation. Making the following lifestyle modifications can also assist:

• Avoid lying down following a meal or snack
• Smoking cessation
• Losing excess weight
• Ideal pill-taking habits (such as eating before taking your medication, consuming plenty of water with it, and avoiding lying down after taking medication)