How do certain medications contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. What are the common drugs that can trigger digestive discomfort. How can you manage medication-induced heartburn symptoms effectively.

The Hidden Culprits: Medications That May Trigger Acid Reflux

While many people associate acid reflux and heartburn with dietary choices or lifestyle factors, medications can also play a significant role in triggering these uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding which drugs may contribute to digestive discomfort is crucial for managing your health effectively.

Ibuprofen, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is one such medication that can potentially cause acid reflux. But it’s not alone in this category. Let’s explore the various types of medicines that might be silently exacerbating your heartburn symptoms.

NSAIDs and Their Impact on Digestive Health

NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin are commonly used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. However, they can have unintended consequences on your digestive system. These medications work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which not only reduces pain and inflammation but also decreases the protective mucus lining in your stomach and intestines.

How does this affect acid reflux? When the stomach’s protective barrier is compromised, it becomes more susceptible to irritation from stomach acid. This can lead to increased acid production and a higher likelihood of acid traveling up into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn and reflux symptoms.

Sleeping Pills and Sedatives: A Double-Edged Sword

Medications prescribed for sleep issues or anxiety, such as Valium and other sedatives, can inadvertently contribute to acid reflux. These drugs relax the body, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is relaxed, it’s easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort.

Are you taking sleeping pills and experiencing increased heartburn? It’s essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider to explore alternative options or adjust your treatment plan.

Blood Pressure Medications: An Unexpected Link to Reflux

Certain medications used to manage high blood pressure, particularly calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers, can have an unexpected side effect: increased acid reflux. These drugs work by lowering blood pressure throughout the body, which can also affect the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter.

When the LES pressure is reduced, it may not close as tightly, allowing stomach contents to reflux more easily. If you’re taking blood pressure medication and experiencing new or worsening heartburn symptoms, consult your doctor about potential alternatives or additional management strategies.

The Aspirin Dilemma: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Aspirin is often hailed as a wonder drug for its ability to prevent heart attacks and reduce inflammation. However, it can also be a significant contributor to acid reflux and heartburn. Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which not only reduces pain and inflammation but also decreases the protective mucus in the stomach lining.

This reduction in protective mucus can lead to increased stomach acid production and a higher risk of irritation to the esophagus. For individuals who require daily aspirin therapy, it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to minimize digestive side effects while maintaining the cardiovascular benefits.

Osteoporosis Medications and Their Digestive Impact

Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, have gained notoriety for their potential to cause heartburn. Popular medications in this category include alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel).

These medications can irritate the esophagus, especially if they’re not taken correctly. To minimize the risk of heartburn and other digestive issues, it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions for taking these medications, which often include remaining upright for a certain period after ingestion.

Iron Supplements: A Potential Trigger for Reflux

While iron supplements are essential for treating anemia and boosting red blood cell production, they can also contribute to acid reflux symptoms. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed that iron supplements may irritate the stomach lining or increase acid production.

If you’re experiencing heartburn after taking iron supplements, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider. They may suggest different forms of iron that are gentler on the stomach or recommend dietary changes to increase your iron intake naturally.

Managing Medication-Induced Heartburn: Practical Strategies

Experiencing heartburn as a side effect of necessary medications can be frustrating, but there are several strategies you can employ to minimize discomfort:

• Take medications with food or milk to help protect your stomach lining
• Avoid lying down immediately after taking medications
• Discuss alternative medications or formulations with your healthcare provider
• Use over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers as recommended by your doctor
• Adopt lifestyle changes to reduce overall acid reflux risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods

Remember, never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider first. They can help you balance the benefits of your medications with managing any side effects.

The Role of H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors

While some medications can cause heartburn, others are specifically designed to treat it. H2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet) work by reducing stomach acid production. These medications can be effective for managing occasional heartburn and may be recommended by your doctor to counteract the effects of other medications that trigger reflux.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are another class of medications used to treat persistent acid reflux and GERD. These drugs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium), provide more potent and longer-lasting acid reduction. However, they should be used under medical supervision, as long-term use can have potential side effects.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you’re experiencing frequent or severe heartburn, especially if it’s related to medication use, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may involve adjusting your current medications, adding protective measures, or exploring alternative therapies.

Natural Alternatives and Lifestyle Modifications

For those looking to reduce their reliance on medications or complement their current treatment plan, several natural alternatives and lifestyle modifications can help manage acid reflux:

1. Dietary changes: Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic items
2. Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the stomach
3. Elevating the head of the bed: This can help prevent nighttime reflux
4. Stress reduction techniques: Practices like meditation or yoga can help manage stress-related acid reflux
5. Herbal remedies: Some people find relief with ginger, licorice root, or chamomile tea

It’s important to note that while these natural approaches can be helpful, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, medical advice and prescribed treatments.

The Importance of Proper Medication Management

Understanding the potential side effects of your medications, including their impact on digestive health, is crucial for effective health management. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and have productive conversations with your healthcare providers.

When it comes to managing acid reflux and heartburn, a holistic approach that considers all aspects of your health and medication regimen is often the most effective. This may involve:

• Regular medication reviews with your healthcare provider
• Exploring alternative medications or dosing schedules
• Implementing protective strategies when taking reflux-inducing medications
• Incorporating lifestyle modifications to support overall digestive health

By working closely with your healthcare team and staying informed about your medications and their potential effects, you can develop a comprehensive plan to manage acid reflux and heartburn effectively, ensuring better overall health and quality of life.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of gastroenterology is continually evolving, with ongoing research into the complex relationships between medications, digestive health, and acid reflux. Scientists are exploring new ways to mitigate the side effects of necessary medications while maintaining their therapeutic benefits.

Some areas of current research include:

• Development of NSAIDs with built-in gastro-protective properties
• Investigation of novel drug delivery systems to reduce esophageal irritation
• Exploration of the gut microbiome’s role in medication-induced reflux
• Study of genetic factors that may predispose individuals to medication-related digestive issues

As our understanding of these complex interactions grows, we can expect to see more targeted and personalized approaches to managing medication-induced acid reflux and heartburn. This ongoing research holds promise for improved treatments and better quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

The Role of Patient Education and Empowerment

One of the most critical aspects of managing medication-induced acid reflux is patient education and empowerment. When individuals understand the potential side effects of their medications and the available management strategies, they are better equipped to take an active role in their health care.

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in this education process, but patients can also take steps to stay informed:

• Read medication labels and package inserts carefully
• Keep a symptom diary to track potential triggers and patterns
• Ask questions during medical appointments and seek clarification when needed
• Stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options
• Participate in support groups or online communities to share experiences and learn from others

By fostering a collaborative relationship between patients and healthcare providers, we can work towards more effective management of medication-induced acid reflux and improved overall health outcomes.

Your Medicines Might Be Causing You Heartburn

So you thought foods were to blame or maybe your sedentary lifestyle only leads to acid reflux and heartburns? Think again.

The pills you’ve been popping silently helped douse other ailments, but with that came along a trigger to heartburns too (not all, but some.)

Yes, you read that right, there are medications that provoke acid refluxes and heartburns, and here we are to tell you more about it. Speak to your doctor and he or she would confirm the same! There are many over-the-counter heartburn medicines available:

Antacids can counteract the effects of stomach acid. h3 blockers such as ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet) cut down on stomach acid production.

Your doctor may have prescribed sleeping pills cause of sleep issues or apnea for that matter, but the same pill that rocks to you sleep can cause havoc in the stomach as well. Valium for sure helps calm the nerves and helps the body relax or unwind as well, but when the lower oesophageal sphincter sets itself in the relaxed mode, acids in the stomach travel upward! Heartburn and acid reflux thus happens with sleeping pills and sedatives too.

Did you know Ibuprofen can cause acid reflux? Stunned? Don’t be! While we pop in a tab of ibuprofen to seek relief from pains and aches, the same pain relieving medication can actually cause acid reflux too.

Heard of the name Advil or Motrin, generic terms for ibuprofen and sold over-the counter? They do not necessarily increase the levels of acidity per se, but unless the physician has advised you to consume them, stay away from the pills.

Wonder drug Aspirin – Don’t we swear by the wonder drug Aspirin for many reasons? But did you know it could cause GERD, Acid reflux and heartburn too. From heart attacks to headaches and more, aspirin has been called a quick-fix but the medicine does cause more acids to churn in the stomach than any other. The formation of prostaglandins that protects the stomach lining and the digestive system in total is stopped by aspirin too!

Medication for blood pressure- Known to be calcium channel blockers, and some call them beta blockers too, the medication prescribed by your doctor can cause acid reflux and heartburn as well. This is because when the drugs are used, it brings down the blood pressure levels in the body and the lower oesophageal sphincter is relaxed. When that happens, the acids in the stomach travel upwards, and that’s when speaking to your doctor for a change in medication that is easy to the stomach should be done.

Osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates including blockbusters like alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel) are notorious for causing heartburn.

Iron supplements pump in more burns. Yes, iron supplements for sure help bring in more RBCs to the body, but they also create acid reflux conditions too. Your doctor would be the best person to advise you on alternatives- maybe a diet change and the inclusion of foods that are rich sources of iron for the body!

Here were some of the medications that can cause more harm than good to you, and especially if you know you are a victim of acid refluxes and heartburns, it would be best to speak to a general physician for a solution today. Stay healthy!

Can Ibuprofen Cause Heartburn? Here’s What You Need to Know

Heartburn is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. It’s characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth or throat. While there are many potential causes of heartburn, one that often gets overlooked is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

The Link Between Ibuprofen and Heartburn

Ibuprofen is a popular pain reliever that’s available over-the-counter and by prescription. It’s often used to treat conditions like headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. While ibuprofen is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects in some people, including heartburn.

The reason ibuprofen can cause heartburn is that it’s a type of NSAID. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. However, they can also interfere with the production of prostaglandins, which are important for protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines. When this happens, stomach acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to heartburn.

Managing Heartburn Symptoms

If you’re experiencing heartburn after taking ibuprofen, there are several things you can do to manage your symptoms. First, try taking the medication with food or milk to help protect your stomach lining. You can also try taking a different type of pain reliever, like acetaminophen, which is less likely to cause heartburn.

If your heartburn persists or is severe, it’s important to seek medical attention. At Nao Medical, we offer a range of services to help you manage your heartburn symptoms, including urgent care, primary care, and gastroenterology. Our team of experienced healthcare providers can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Book an Appointment with Nao Medical Today

If you’re experiencing heartburn or other symptoms related to ibuprofen use, don’t wait to get the care you need. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today to speak with one of our healthcare providers. We offer same-day appointments, minimal wait times, and a range of services to help you feel your best. Plus, with our comprehensive app and after-hours virtual care, you can access the care you need whenever and wherever you need it.

External Links:

• https://www.fda.gov/drugs
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ibuprofen cause heartburn?

Yes, ibuprofen is a type of NSAID that can interfere with the production of prostaglandins, which are important for protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines. When this happens, stomach acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to heartburn.

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth or throat. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food or liquid, and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

How can I manage my heartburn symptoms?

If you’re experiencing heartburn after taking ibuprofen, try taking the medication with food or milk to help protect your stomach lining. You can also try taking a different type of pain reliever, like acetaminophen, which is less likely to cause heartburn. If your heartburn persists or is severe, it’s important to seek medical attention.

What services does Nao Medical offer for heartburn?

At Nao Medical, we offer a range of services to help you manage your heartburn symptoms, including urgent care, primary care, and gastroenterology. Our team of experienced healthcare providers can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Key Takeaways

• Ibuprofen is a type of NSAID that can interfere with the production of prostaglandins, which are important for protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines.
• Heartburn is a common side effect of ibuprofen use.
• If you’re experiencing heartburn after taking ibuprofen, try taking the medication with food or milk to help protect your stomach lining.
• If your heartburn persists or is severe, it’s important to seek medical attention.
• Nao Medical offers a range of services to help you manage your heartburn symptoms, including urgent care, primary care, and gastroenterology.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

Symptoms of heartburn | Gastroenterologist consultation in Riga

Symptoms of heartburn | Gastroenterologist consultation in Riga

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When acid from the stomach enters the esophagus, this condition is known as acid reflux. May cause heartburn and other symptoms. Medications that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach are common treatments and usually work well. Some people take short courses of treatment when their symptoms worsen. Some people need long-term daily treatment to get rid of symptoms. A consultation with a gastroenterologist in our clinic will allow you to identify the pathology and prescribe a productive treatment to improve your quality of life.

Pathological features

Acid reflux means that some of the acid leaks (reflux) into the throat (esophagus). Esophagitis means inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. In most cases, esophagitis is caused by gastric reflux that irritates the lining of the esophagus.

The lining of the esophagus can handle a certain amount of acid. However, in some people it is more sensitive to acid. Also, some people have frequent reflux without developing esophagitis. Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux. Thus, heartburn is not a disease, but acts as a primary and main symptom of a pathology called acid reflux.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux and esophagitis?

• Heartburn: this is the main symptom. This is a burning sensation that rises from the upper abdomen or lower chest to the neck.
• Other general symptoms: These include pain in the upper abdomen and chest, feeling unwell, sour taste in the mouth, bloating, belching, indigestion (dyspepsia) and burning pain when swallowing hot drinks. Like heartburn, these symptoms come and go and then get worse after eating.
• Some unusual symptoms: If present, it may make diagnosis difficult as these symptoms may mimic other conditions. For example: sometimes there is a persistent cough, especially at night. This is due to the fact that the acid irritates the trachea. Sometimes there are other symptoms in the mouth and throat, such as gum problems, bad breath, sore throat, hoarseness, and feeling of a lump in the throat. In some cases, severe chest pain occurs (and can be mistaken for a heart attack).

Risk factors

Most people experience occasional heartburn, possibly after eating a large meal. However, one in three adults experience heartburn every few days, and nearly one in ten adults experience heartburn at least once a day. In many cases it is mild and goes away soon. Quite often, however, symptoms are frequent or severe enough to affect quality of life. Regular heartburn is more common in smokers, pregnant women, alcoholics, overweight people, and people aged 35 to 64.

Diagnosis

If you have typical symptoms, tests are usually not needed. Many people who have acid leaking (reflux) into the esophagus are diagnosed with presumed acid reflux. In this situation, they have typical symptoms that are alleviated by treatment. Tests may be recommended if symptoms are severe, do not improve with treatment, or are not typical:

• Gastroscopy (endoscopy) is a common test. A thin flexible telescope is inserted through the esophagus into the stomach. This allows the doctor or nurse to look inside. When the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed (esophagitis), the lower part of the esophagus looks red and inflamed. However, a normal appearance does not rule out acid reflux.
• Other tests such as ECG, chest x-ray, etc. may be done to rule out other conditions if symptoms are atypical.

What can be done to get rid of the symptoms?

The following is generally recommended. However, few studies have been done to prove how well these lifestyle changes help relieve reflux:

• Smoking. The chemicals released by cigarettes relax the circular band of muscles (sphincter) in the lower esophagus and increase the chance of acid leaking (reflux). Symptoms may improve if you smoke and stop smoking.
• Some foods are thought to relax the sphincter and cause more acid to reflux. It is difficult to say for sure how much the products contribute. Let common sense be your guide. If a food seems to be causing symptoms, try avoiding it for a while to see if the condition improves. Foods and drinks that are suspected to make symptoms worse in some people include peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
• Avoiding large meals may also help.
• Some people find the alkaline diet beneficial. This can be achieved by increasing the intake of fiber, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.
• Some medicines may make symptoms worse. They can irritate the esophagus or relax the sphincter muscles and make acid reflux more likely. Anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) are most often to blame. Others include diazepam, theophylline, calcium channel blockers (eg nifedipine), and nitrates. Tell your doctor if you suspect a medicine is causing symptoms or making symptoms worse.
• If you are overweight, this puts extra pressure on your stomach and causes acid reflux. Losing weight can relieve symptoms.

If symptoms recur most nights, the following may help:

• Go to bed with an empty, dry stomach. To do this, do not eat the last three hours before bed and do not drink the last two hours before bed.
• If possible, try raising the head of the bed 10-20 cm (eg by placing books or bricks under the legs of the bed). This helps gravity keep acid from refluxing into the esophagus. In this case, do not use extra pillows, as this may increase pressure in the abdomen (abdominal cavity).

Therapy

First of all, conservative therapy with the following drugs is chosen.

• Antacids are alkaline liquids or tablets that reduce acid. A gastroenterologist with moderate symptoms will prescribe them first. The dose usually gives quick relief. There are many brands that you can buy. You can also get them with a prescription. You can use “as needed” antacids for mild or infrequent heartburn attacks.
• Acid-suppressing drugs. If symptoms occur frequently, see a doctor. It is usually recommended to take acid-suppressing drugs. Two groups of acid-suppressing drugs are available – proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor blockers (h3 blockers). They work in different ways, but both reduce (suppress) the amount of acid produced by the stomach. PPIs include omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole. and esomeprazole. h3 blockers include cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine.

PPIs are usually used first because these drugs work better than h3 blockers. The usual initial plan is to complete a full dose of PPI for a month or so. This often relieves symptoms and allows any inflammation in the esophagus to disappear. After that, all you may need to do is return to “as needed” antacids or take a short course of “as needed” acid-suppressing medication.

In rare cases, surgery may be required. Surgery can “tighten” the lower part of the esophagus to prevent acid from leaking out of the stomach.

Gastroenterologist in Riga from our clinic – work for results!

Esophagitis: 10 main symptoms

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the thin muscular tube that delivers food to the stomach – esophagus. If left untreated, the inflammation will eventually damage the lining of the organ and impair its function. Also, untreated inflammation of the esophagus leads to scarring or narrowing of the organ, resulting in serious difficulties with swallowing. In this article, you will learn about 10 symptoms characteristic of this disease.

This disease has many varieties. In some cases, its cause is hidden in several factors at once.

Reflux esophagitis

In the lower part of the esophagus there is a muscle in the form of a contracting ring – the lower esophageal sphincter. It acts as a valve that opens to move food into the stomach and closes to prevent food from returning to the esophagus. Hence the name – reflux, which means the reverse flow of the contents of hollow organs.

If the lower esophageal sphincter opens unnecessarily or does not close completely, the acidic contents of the stomach are “thrown” into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux, which you will read about in this article. Reflux esophagitis develops when gastric juice very often enters the esophagus and, as a result, the organ becomes inflamed. Over time, this leads to tissue damage and further complications.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a key role in allergic reactions. Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs in patients with a high concentration of eosinophils in the esophagus. Most likely, this happens in response to the penetration of an allergen or stomach acid into the esophagus.

In many cases, eosinophilic esophagitis provokes the consumption of certain products – milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, beans, rye and beef. However, traditional allergy tests are not 100% sure which product is at fault.

Individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis may have other non-food allergies. Sometimes the cause of inflammation is hidden in an inhaled allergen, such as pollen.

Infectious esophagitis

A bacterial, viral or fungal infection that has entered the tissues of the esophagus can cause inflammation. This is relatively rare and mostly only in immunocompromised individuals. These include people who suffer from HIV/AIDS or cancer.

A common cause of infectious inflammation of the esophagus is a fungus that is usually found in the mouth – Candida albicans. Most often, this infection affects people with weakened immune systems, cancer, diabetes, and those who take antibiotics or steroid drugs.

Lymphocytic esophagitis

This is an unusual inflammation in which there is an increase in the concentration of lymphocytes in the mucosa of the esophagus. The reason for this phenomenon may be hidden in an increased number of eosinophils or gastroesophageal reflux.

Medical esophagitis

Some oral medications damage the tissues of the esophagus if they are in contact with the mucous membrane for too long. For example, if you swallow a tablet without water or drink very little of it, the tablet or its residue may remain in the esophagus for some time.

Drugs that cause inflammation of the esophagus include:

• Painkillers – aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen,
• Antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline,
• Potassium chloride, used to treat potassium deficiency in the body,
• Bisphosphonates, including alendronate, used to treat osteoporosis,
• Quinidine, used for heart problems.

To reduce the risk of drug-induced esophagitis, we recommend:0020

How to recognize the symptoms of esophagitis?

The 10 most common signs of this disease include:

1. Difficulty swallowing,
2. Pain when swallowing,
3. Chest pain, especially behind the sternum that occurs during eating,
4. Food stuck in the esophagus,
5. Heartburn due to acid reflux,
6. Cough,
7. Bad taste in the mouth,
8. Hoarseness,
9. Nausea,
10. Vomiting.

Which symptoms of esophagitis should promptly go to the doctor?

Be sure to see a gastroenterologist if symptoms:

• Trouble for a week or more,
• Do not disappear or improve after taking antacids,
• Cause difficulty eating,
• Accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and body aches.

How do doctors detect inflammation of the esophagus?

Diagnosis of this disorder is based on complaints and a physical examination of the patient. Also, in most cases, the gastroenterologist will prescribe gastroscopy, and sometimes laboratory diagnostics.

Gastroscopy allows doctors to look inside the esophagus. For this, an endoscope is used – a thin flexible tube with an illumination system and a tiny camera at the tip. When the endoscope is lowered into the esophagus, the image is displayed on the monitor screen in an enlarged form. Only with the help of this procedure can 100% confirm inflammation of the esophagus. If necessary, the doctor removes stuck food or takes a small piece of tissue for further examination.

Laboratory diagnosis is carried out if the doctor takes a tissue sample during endoscopy. Later it is sent for research. Depending on the cause of esophagitis, a laboratory test can help:

• Diagnose a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection,
• Determine the concentration of eosinophils,
• Detect abnormal cells that may indicate a precancerous condition or cancer of the esophagus.

How to cure esophagitis?

The treatment strategy for this disease depends on the underlying cause as well as the symptoms:

• If the inflammation is caused by a bacterium, virus or fungus, the goal of treatment is to eradicate the infection. This may require antibiotics.
• If the cause is acid reflux, treatment for esophagitis will focus on reducing or blocking the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Also in this case, the gastroenterologist will recommend changes in lifestyle and diet. You can read more about these recommendations in the article on heartburn.
• If the reason lies in the use of certain drugs, the patient may need to stop or change drugs to alternative drugs. Never stop taking your medication without first consulting your doctor.
• If the cause of the esophagitis is an allergy, the patient is given corticosteroids.
• If a rupture has formed in the organ or a pathological neoplasm is blocking it, the patient will need surgery.

Inflammation of the esophagus : possible complications

If this seemingly harmless disorder is not treated for a long time, the patient runs the risk of complications. Some of them are very serious:

• Esophageal stricture – a narrowing of the lumen of the organ, which subsequently makes it very difficult to swallow food,
• Rupture of the organ due to frequent vomiting or food getting stuck, The lining of the esophagus is replaced by intestinal cells.