Oesophagitis Health Dictionary

  1. Health Encyclopedia
  2. Oesophagitis

Oesophagitis: From 3 Different Sources

Inflammation of the lower oesophagus (gullet).

Causes: reflux of acid from the stomach due to incompetence of sphincter muscle. This muscle can be weakened by drugs, coffee, smoking, alcohol, piping-hot drinks or the presence of hiatus hernia. Treatment: same as for HEARTBURN. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
Inflammation of the oesophagus. In corrosive oesophagitis, which is caused by swallowing caustic chemicals such as cleaning fluids, there is immediate severe pain and swelling in the throat and mouth. Antidotes are of limited value, and washing out the stomach (see lavage, gastric) increases the damage. Treatment consists mainly

of reducing pain and providing nursing care until the oesophagus heals.

Reflux oesophagitis is due to poor function of the muscles in the lower oesophagus, which permits the stomach’s acidic contents to rise back into the oesophagus (see acid reflux). The main symptom, heartburn, may be worsened by alcohol, smoking, and obesity. Poor function of the lower oesophagus may be linked with a hiatus hernia. Treatment focuses on diet and lifestyle changes. Antacid drugs help to reduce acidity. Surgical treatment may be necessary for a hiatus hernia.

Barrett’s oesophagus, a complication of reflux oesophagitis, may lead to cancer. Severe, chronic oesophagitis can cause an oesophageal stricture.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
n. inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet). Frequent regurgitation of acid and peptic juices from the stomach causes reflux oesophagitis, the commonest form, which may be associated with a hiatus *hernia. The main symptoms are heartburn, acid regurgitation, *odynophagia, and sometimes difficulty in swallowing (*dysphagia). Complications include bleeding, *stricture formation, and *Barrett’s oesophagus. It is treated with antacids and by maintaining an upright position, using more pillows at night, eating the evening meal earlier in the day, weight loss, and dietary restraint. In severe cases *fundoplication surgery may be required. Corrosive oesophagitis is caused by the ingestion of caustic acid or alkali. It is often severe and may lead to perforation of the oesophagus and extensive stricture formation. Immediate treatment includes food avoidance and antibiotics; later, stricture dilatation is often needed. Infective oesophagitis is most commonly due to a fungus (Candida) infection in debilitated or immunocompromised patients, especially those being treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant drugs, but is occasionally due to viruses (such as cytomegalovirus or herpesvirus). Eosinophilic oesophagitis is a poorly understood condition characterized by infiltration of the oesophageal lining by excess *eosinophils. Autoimmune disease and food allergy are two commonly proposed causes. Treatment is directed towards exclusion of allergens and oral or inhaled steroids.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Gastrectomy

A major operation to remove the whole or part of the STOMACH. Total gastrectomy is a rare operation, usually performed when a person has cancer of the stomach; the OESPHAGUS is then connected to the DUODENUM. Sometimes cancer of the stomach can be treated by doing a partial gastrectomy: the use of partial gastrectomy to treat PEPTIC ULCER used to be common before the advent of e?ective drug therapy.

The operation is sometimes still done if the patient has failed to respond to dietary treatment and treatment with H2-blocking drugs (see CIMETIDINE; RANITIDINE) along with antibiotics to combat Helicobacter pylori, an important contributary factor to ulcer development. Partial gastrectomy is usually accompanied by VAGOTOMY, which involves cutting the VAGUS nerve controlling acid secretion in the stomach. Among the side-effects of gastrectomy are fullness and discomfort after meals; formation of ulcers at the new junction between the stomach and duodenum which may lead to GASTRITIS and oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF); dumping syndrome (nausea, sweating and dizziness because the food leaves the stomach too quickly after eating); vomiting and diarrhoea. The side-effects usually subside but may need dietary and drug treatment.... gastrectomy

Famotidine

An Hreceptor antagonist drug that promotes healing of peptic ulcers and reduces inflammation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis) by suppressing acid production from the stomach. Side effects, which include headaches and dizziness, are uncommon.... famotidine

Aluminium

A light metallic element. It occurs in bauxite and other minerals and its compounds are found in low concentration in the body. Their function, if any, is unknown but they are believed to be harmful. Aluminium hydroxide is, however, a safe, slow-acting substance that is widely used in the treatment of indigestion, gastric ulcers (see STOMACH, DISEASES OF) and oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF), acting as an antacid (see ANTACIDS). Other ingested sources of aluminium include cooking utensils, kitchen foil and some cooking and food additives. Most aluminium is excreted; the rest is deposited in the brain, liver, lungs and thyroid gland. Prolonged use of aluminium-based antacids can cause loss of appetite, tiredness and weakness. It has been suggested that ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE is more common in areas with water which contains a high concentration of the element, but this issue is controversial.... aluminium

Antacids

Drugs traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer. They neutralise the hydrochloric acid secreted in the stomach’s digestive juices and relieve pain and the discomfort of DYSPEPSIA (indigestion). A large number of proprietary preparations are on sale to the public and most contain compounds of aluminium or magnesium or a mixture of the two. Other agents include activated dimethicone – an antifoaming agent aimed at relieving ?atulence; alginates, which protect against re?ux oesophagitis; and surface anaesthetics. Antacids commonly prescribed by doctors include aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate and magnesium trisilicate. Sodium bicarbonate and calcium and bismuth compounds are also used, although the latter is best avoided as it may cause neurological side-effects. (See DUODENAL ULCER; STOMACH, DISEASES OF.)... antacids

Dyspepsia

This is another name for indigestion. It describes a sensation of pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or lower chest following eating. There may be additional symptoms of heartburn, ?atulence, or nausea. There are many causes of dyspepsia including oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF), PEPTIC ULCER, gallstones (see under GALL-BLADDER, DISEASES OF), HIATUS HERNIA, malignancy of the stomach or oesophagus, and hepatic or pancreatic disease. Occasionally it may be psychological in origin. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but, if there is no speci?c pathology, avoidance of precipitating foods may be helpful. ANTACIDS may relieve discomfort and pain if taken when symptoms occur or are expected.... dyspepsia

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux

A disorder in which the contents of the STOMACH back up into the OESOPHAGUS because the usual neuromuscular mechanisms for preventing this are intermittently or permanently failing to work properly. If persistent, the failure may cause oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF). If a person develops HEARTBURN, regurgitation, discomfort and oesophagitis, the condition is called gastro-oesophageal re?ux disease (GORD) and sometimes symptoms are so serious as to warrant surgery. Gastrooesophageal re?ux is sometimes associated with HIATUS HERNIA.

Gastro-oesophageal disease should be diagnosed in those patients who are at risk of physical complications from the re?ux. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms present or by monitoring the production of acid using a pH probe inserted into the oesophagus through the mouth, since lesions are not usually visible on ENDOSCOPY. Severe heartburn, caused by the lining of the oesophagus being damaged by acid and PEPSIN from the stomach, is commonly confused with DYSPEPSIA. Treatment should start with graded doses of one of the PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS; if this is not e?ective after several months, surgery to remedy the re?ux may be required, but the effects are not easily predictable.... gastro-oesophageal reflux

H2 Receptor Antagonists

These are drugs that block the action of HISTAMINE at the H2 receptor (which mediates the gastric and some of the cardiovascular effects of histamine). By reducing the production of acid by the stomach, these drugs – chie?y cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine – are valuable in the treatment of peptic ulcers (healing when used in high dose; preventing relapse when used as maintenance therapy in reduced dose), re?ux oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF), and the ZOLLINGERELLISON SYNDROME. These drugs are now being supplanted by PROTON-PUMP INHIBITORS and HELICOBACTER PYLORI eradication therapy. (See also DUODENAL ULCER.)... h2 receptor antagonists

Proton-pump Inhibitors

These are drugs that inhibit the production of acid in the stomach by blocking a key enzyme system, known as the PROTON PUMP, of the parietal cells of the stomach. The drugs include omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole, and they are the treatment of choice for oesophagitis (erosion and stricture – see under OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF); for the short-term treatment for gastric ulcer (see under STOMACH, DISEASES OF) and DUODENAL ULCER; and, in combination with ANTIBIOTICS, for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.... proton-pump inhibitors

Acid Reflux

Regurgitation of acidic fluid from the stomach into the oesophagus due to inefficiency of the muscular valve at the lower end of the oesophagus. Also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), acid reflux may inflame the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn due to oesophagitis. It may occur in pregnancy and often affects overweight people.... acid reflux

Oesophagus, Diseases Of

Oesophagitis is in?ammation of the OESOPHAGUS and may be due to swallowing a corrosive chemical (corrosive oesophagitis) or because the muscles of the lower part of the oesophagus do not work properly (ACHALASIA), allowing the stomach’s acidic contents to regurgitate (re?ux oesophagitis). HIATUS HERNIA is sometimes associated with the latter condition. Diagnosis can be made by ENDOSCOPY of the oesophagus and/or an X-ray examination using a barium swallow. Treatment of re?ux oesophagitis is by an appropriate diet and weight loss. Stricture of the oesophagus can result from swallowing a corrosive ?uid and may produce severe narrowing. Such strictures may sometimes be dilated by the use of suitable instruments; otherwise, surgery may be necessary.

A still more serious and frequent cause of oesophageal stricture is that due to cancer, which may occur at any part, but is most common at the lower end, near the entrance into the stomach. The chief symptoms of this condition are increasing di?culty in swallowing, increasing debility, together with enlargement of the glands in the neck. The condition usually occurs in middle age or beyond and around 5,000 people are diagnosed with such cancer every year in the United Kingdom. In many cases treatment can only be palliative, but recent advances in surgery are producing promising results. In some cases treatment with irradiation or anti-cancer drugs produces relief, if not cure. In those in whom neither operation nor radiation can be performed, life may be prolonged and freedom from pain obtained by ?uid food which is either swallowed or passed down a tube. In cases of achalasia (see above), the passage of a special bougie down the oesophagus to dilate the sphincter may be e?ective.

Strictures of the oesophagus may also be produced by the pressure of tumours or aneurysms within the cavity of the chest but external to the gullet.

Finally, di?culty in swallowing sometimes occurs in certain serious nervous diseases from paralysis affecting the nerves supplying the muscular coats of the PHARYNX, which thus loses its propulsive power (bulbar paralysis).

Foreign bodies which lodge in the respiratory part of the throat – i.e. at the entrance to, or in the cavity of, the larynx – set up immediate symptoms of CHOKING. Those which lodge in the gullet, on the contrary, do not usually set up any immediately serious symptoms, although their presence causes considerable discomfort. Medical attention is usually required.... oesophagus, diseases of

Nsaids

Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. Pain-killers for muscular rheumatism and other painful disorders, (aspirin). NSAIDS work by blocking prostaglandin synthesis; usually therapeutically for inflamed joints. Reactions may follow their use, sometimes creating gastrointestinal problems and liver, kidney and skin disorders. Bleeding and internal ulcer may sometimes follow, the elderly specially at risk.

Alternatives: anti-inflammatories, analgesics.

To assist withdrawal – Devil’s Claw (inflamed joints), Meadowsweet (stomach), Blue Flag (liver and skin).

Formula. Devil’s Claw 2; Black Willow 2; Wild Yam 1; Valerian 1. Mix. Dose – Powders: quarter to half a teaspoon; Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon; Tinctures: 2-3 teaspoons; in water or honey thrice daily.

Patients on NSAID drugs should not take salt substitutes containing potassium. A quarter of patients on long-term NSAIDS suffer oesophagitis. Lesions may be caused in the gullet by ‘pill oesophagitis’ where delayed passage into the stomach of pills and tablets damages the oesophageal mucosal membrane. ... nsaids

Antacid Drugs

Drugs taken to relieve the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, oesophagitis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcer. Antacids usually contain compounds of magnesium or aluminium, which neutralize stomach acid. Some also contain alginates, which protect the lining of the oesophagus from stomach acid, or dimeticone, an antifoaming agent, which helps to relieve flatulence.

Aluminium may cause constipation and magnesium may cause diarrhoea; but these effects may be avoided if a preparation contains both ingredients.

Antacids interfere with the absorption of many drugs and should not be taken at the same time as other drugs.... antacid drugs

Cimetidine

An H2-receptor antagonist used as an ulcer-healing drug. Cimetidine promotes the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers (see peptic ulcer) and reduces the symptoms of oesophagitis. Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and rashes. More rarely, the drug causes impotence and gynaecomastia.... cimetidine

Heartburn

A burning pain in the centre of the chest, which may travel from the tip of the breastbone to the throat. It may be caused by eating rich or spicy food, or by drinking alcohol. Recurrent heartburn is a symptom of oesophagitis, which is usually caused by acid reflux. Heartburn is often brought on by lying down or bending forwards.... heartburn

Hiatus Hernia

A condition in which part of the stomach protrudes upwards into the chest through the opening in the diaphragm that is normally occupied by the oesophagus. The cause is unknown but it is more common in obese people and those with a long-term cough, such as smokers. In some cases, it is present at birth. Many people have no symptoms.

In some people, there is acid reflux. This may lead to oesophagitis or heartburn.

Antacid drugs or H2 blockers may be given to reduce stomach acidity. In severe cases, surgery may be required.... hiatus hernia

Indigestion

A common term (known medically as dyspepsia) covering a variety of symptoms brought on by eating, including heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, and flatulence. Discomfort in the upper abdomen is often caused by eating too much, too quickly, or by eating very rich, spicy, or fatty foods. Persistent or recurrent indigestion may be due to a peptic ulcer, gallstones, oesophagitis, or, rarely, stomach cancer. Antacid drugs help relieve symptoms, but they can mask an underlying cause that needs medical attention. They should not be taken for longer than 2 weeks without medical advice.... indigestion

Occult Blood, Faecal

The presence in the faeces of blood that cannot be seen by the naked eye, but can be detected by chemical tests. Such tests are widely used in screening for cancer of the colon (see colon, cancer of). Faecal occult blood may also be a sign of a gastrointestinal disorder such as oesophagitis, gastritis, or stomach cancer; cancer of the intestine (see intestine, cancer of); rectal cancer (see rectum, cancer of); diverticular disease; polyps in the colon; ulcerative colitis; or irritation of the stomach or intestine by drugs such as aspirin. (See also rectal bleeding.)... occult blood, faecal

Oesophageal Spasm

Uncoordinated muscle contractions in the oesophagus, which cause intermittent swallowing difficulties and chest or upper abdominal pain.

The spasm may be caused by reflux oesophagitis, but often occurs for no apparent reason.

Women are more commonly affected.

A barium swallow (see barium X-ray examinations) and endoscopy may be used to rule out a more serious condition, such as cancer.

Treatment is of the underlying cause.... oesophageal spasm

Oesophageal Stricture

Narrowing of the oesophagus that may cause pain, swallowing difficulties, weight loss, and regurgitation of food.

It may be due to cancer (see oesophagus, cancer of) or, for example, persistent reflux oesophagitis.

Diagnosis may include a barium swallow (see barium X-ray examinations), endoscopy, and biopsy.

Usually, the narrowed area is widened by oesophageal dilatation.... oesophageal stricture

Oesophagus, Disorders Of

Several disorders, most of which cause swallowing difficulties and/or chest pain.

Infections of the oesophagus are rare but may occur in immunosuppressed patients. The most common are herpes simplex and candidiasis (thrush). Oesophagitis is usually due to reflux of stomach contents, causing heartburn. Corrosive oesophagitis can occur as a result of swallowing caustic chemicals. Both may cause an oesophageal stricture.

Congenital defects include oesophageal atresia, which requires surgery soon after birth. Tumours of the oesophagus are quite common; about 90 per cent are cancerous (see oesophagus, cancer of). Injury to the oesophagus is most commonly caused by a tear or rupture due to severe vomiting and retching. (See also swallowing difficulty.)... oesophagus, disorders of

Omeprazole

A drug that is used to treat peptic ulcer, reflux oesophagitis, and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. Adverse effects include rashes, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation.... omeprazole

Ranitidine

An ulcer-healing drug belonging to the H-receptor antagonist group.

It is used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers and to treat oesophagitis.

Side effects may include headache, skin rash, nausea, constipation, and lethargy.... ranitidine

Salivation, Excessive

The production of too much saliva. Excess salivation sometimes occurs during pregnancy. Other causes include mouth problems such as irritation of the mouth lining, gingivitis, or mouth ulcers; digestive tract disorders such as peptic ulcers and oesophagitis; and nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. In some cases, it may be reduced by anticholinergic drugs.... salivation, excessive

Aluminium Hydroxide

a safe slow-acting antacid. It is administered (often in combination with magnesium hydroxide) in the treatment of indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and reflux *oesophagitis.... aluminium hydroxide

Barrett’s Oesophagus

(columnar-lined oesophagus) a condition in which the squamous *epithelium lining the oesophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium of the type normally lining the intestine (‘intestinal metaplasia’). Barrett’s oesophagus is caused by chronic inflammation and damage resulting from *gastro-oesophageal reflux or (less frequently) corrosive *oesophagitis. The appearance of Barrett’s epithelium seen at endoscopy must be confirmed by biopsy. Patients with confirmed Barrett’s oesophagus are at a higher risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma and may be kept under surveillance with regular endoscopies. [N. R. Barrett (1903–79), British thoracic surgeon]... barrett’s oesophagus

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease

(GORD) a condition characterized by excessive *gastro-oesophageal reflux, which occurs due to the impairment of neuromuscular mechanisms (such as the lower oesophageal sphincter) designed to minimize reflux. Symptoms range from *heartburn and acid reflux to difficulty or pain when swallowing, nocturnal cough, and chronic throat symptoms. Complications include erosive *oesophagitis, oesophageal strictures, and the development of *Barrett’s oesophagus, a premalignant condition.... gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Odynophagia

n. painful swallowing. This may be due to severe inflammation of the gullet (see oesophagitis) or infection as by such as cytomegalovirus, candidiasis, or herpes simplex virus in an immunocompromised patient. Other causes include neuromuscular disease, such as *achalasia, foreign bodies, such as impacted fish bones, and malignancy.... odynophagia

Oesophageal Ulcer

see peptic ulcer; oesophagitis.... oesophageal ulcer

Oesophagus

n. the gullet: a muscular tube, about 23 cm long, that extends from the pharynx to the stomach. It is lined with mucous membrane, whose secretions lubricate food as it passes from the mouth to the stomach. Waves of *peristalsis assist the passage of food.

Diseases of the oesophagus include *achalasia, carcinoma, hiatus hernia, *oesophageal varices, *oesophagitis, and *peptic ulcer. —oesophageal adj.... oesophagus

Reflux

n. a backflow of liquid, against its normal direction of movement. See also oesophagitis; vesicoureteric reflux.... reflux

Peptic Ulcer

a breach in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract caused by the actions of gastric acid and pepsin. This may occur due to abnormally high levels of gastric acid or pepsin or when the mucosa has been damaged by chronic *Helicobacter pylori infection or by aspirin or NSAID use. A peptic ulcer may be found in the oesophagus (oesophageal ulcer, associated with reflux *oesophagitis); the stomach (see gastric ulcer); duodenum (see duodenal ulcer); jejunum (jejunal ulcer, usually in the *Zollinger-Ellison syndrome); in a Meckel’s *diverticulum; and close to a *gastroenterostomy (stomal ulcer, anastomotic ulcer, marginal ulcer).... peptic ulcer

Health encyclopedia icon Health Encyclopedia

Recent Searches