Treatment
Treatment depends on the specific cause. Reflux disease may require medications to reduce acid. Infections will require antibiotics.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The disorders that cause esophagitis usually respond to treatment.
Complications
If untreated, esophagitis may cause severe discomfort, swallowing difficulty to the extent of causing malnutrition or dehydration, and eventual scarring of the esophagus. This scarring may lead to a stricture of the esophagus, and food or medications may not be able to pass through to the stomach.
A condition called Barrett’s esophagus can develop after years of gastroesophageal reflux. Rarely, Barrett’s esophagus may lead to cancer of the esophagus.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of esophagitis.
-
Esophagitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Esophagitis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Esophagitis : Treatment
Review Date : 7/13/2009
Reviewed By : Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
