Esophagitis
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus is
the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
What is going on in the body?
The lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed because of an infection or
something that has irritated the lining. Esophagitis is called acute when it
occurs suddenly. It is called chronic when it lasts for a long time.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Causes of esophagitis include:
infections by organisms such as candida, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or herpes simplex
diseases and conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, poorly controlled diabetes,
immunodeficiency disorders,
chemotherapy, chronic steroid use, or
malnutrition
chemicals that are swallowed
pills that become stuck in the esophagus
gastroesophageal reflux disease,
or GERD, a condition in which stomach acid splashes back up into the
esophagus
medications and supplements such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
alendronate, doxycycline, iron,
and
potassium
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