Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophageal lining, the passage that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. When this lining becomes irritated, it can lead to symptoms such as pain while swallowing, difficulty eating, and burning or discomfort in the chest. In some cases, patients may also experience a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.

SP Medifort Hospital offers comprehensive care for esophagitis through a dedicated team of experienced gastroenterology specialists and access to advanced diagnostic technology. Recognized as one of the best hospitals for esophagitis treatment, the hospital is known for delivering the best esophagitis treatment in South India. Patients benefit from individualized treatment plans that combine medical management, dietary counseling, and ongoing digestive health support, ensuring safe recovery and long-term symptom relief.

Several types of esophagitis. Those are

• Reflux esophagitis: This is the most common form of esophagitis. It happens when stomach acid and digestive fluids flow backward into the esophagus. Over time, this acid irritates and damages the soft inner lining of the esophagus. This can occur in people who have frequent acid reflux, GERD, bile reflux, or repeated vomiting, such as in bulimia nervosa.
• Drug-induced esophagitis: Also known as pill esophagitis, this type develops when certain medicines irritate the esophagus as they pass through or get stuck. Taking pills without enough water or lying down right after swallowing them can increase the risk. Medicines commonly linked to this include pain relievers like NSAIDs and acetaminophen, antibiotics, potassium supplements, osteoporosis drugs, and some chemotherapy medications.
• Infectious esophagitis: Infections of the esophagus are rare in healthy people but can occur in those with a weakened immune system. These infections usually spread from another part of the body. Fungal infections are the most common, followed by viral infections. Common causes include Candida yeast, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus. Conditions such as HIV, AIDS, diabetes, cancer, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressant medicines increase the risk.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a rare, immune-mediated esophageal disorder. It occurs when the immune system sends excessive eosinophils (white blood cells) to the esophagus, often triggered by food allergies or environmental allergens. This buildup causes chronic inflammation and symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and food impaction. It is more common in people with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies.
• Autoimmune-related esophagitis: Some autoimmune diseases can also lead to esophagitis. In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, including the esophagus.
• Radiation esophagitis: Radiation esophagitis occurs as a side effect of radiation therapy to the chest, neck, or esophagus, commonly during cancer treatment. Radiation can irritate the esophageal lining, causing pain and difficulty swallowing. In most cases, this inflammation is temporary and improves after treatment ends, though rarely it may become long-lasting.

Common risk factors of esophagitis include:

• Frequent acid reflux or GERD: People who experience regular acid reflux are more likely to develop esophagitis. Factors such as eating large or fatty meals, eating late at night, smoking, alcohol use, and being overweight increase this risk.
• Obesity: Extra body weight increases pressure on the stomach, making acid reflux more likely and raising the risk of esophageal irritation.
• Smoking and alcohol use: Tobacco and excessive alcohol weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and irritate the esophagus, contributing to inflammation.
• Certain foods and drinks: Frequent consumption of caffeine, citrus fruits, spicy foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, and mint can trigger acid reflux and irritate the esophagus
• Medications: Taking pills without enough water, lying down immediately after taking them, or using large or rough tablets can cause drug-induced esophagitis.
• Weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, or those on immunosuppressive drugs are more susceptible to infections that can cause esophagitis
• Hiatal hernia: A structural change at the junction of the stomach and esophagus can increase acid reflux, raising the risk of esophagitis.
• Allergic conditions and family history: Individuals with asthma, seasonal allergies, eczema, or a family history of eosinophilic esophagitis are at a higher risk of developing allergy-related esophagitis.
• Age and lifestyle factors: Older adults (over 60) who lie down immediately after meals or undergo certain surgical procedures may also be at increased risk.

Common treatments for esophagitis include:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medicines lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. They help reduce irritation and give your esophagus time to heal. Examples include omeprazole and lansoprazole.

Antacids: These are over-the-counter medicines that neutralize stomach acid briefly. They can ease burning or discomfort, but don’t heal the esophagus by themselves.

Corticosteroids: For eosinophilic esophagitis (an allergy-related type), steroid medicines (like swallowed budesonide or fluticasone) calm inflammation. They coat the esophagus and reduce swelling.

Antifungal or Antiviral Medicines: If an infection is causing the esophagitis (like Candida or a virus), your doctor will give the appropriate antifungal or antiviral drugs to clear the infection.

Surgical Options: In severe cases—especially if strictures (narrowing) form or medicines don’t help—surgery may be needed. For example, a procedure called fundoplication can tighten the valve between the stomach and esophagus to reduce reflux.

Dietary Changes: Avoid foods that trigger symptoms. Typical triggers include spicy, acidic, or hard-to-swallow foods. Eating smaller meals can also help reduce irritation.

Weight Management: Keeping a healthy weight helps reduce pressure on your stomach and decreases reflux, which in turn eases esophagus irritation.

Elevating the Head During Sleep: Sleeping with your head raised helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back up while you sleep.

Avoiding Tobacco and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol both irritate the esophagus and can make symptoms worse. Cutting back or quitting supports healing.