Esophagitis (inflamed food pipe)

Overview

Acid reflux is the most common cause. Pills that stick in the esophagus, infections, and allergies (eosinophilic esophagitis) are others.

Pill esophagitis often follows taking pills with little water before lying down.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Painful swallowing
• Heartburn

Less common

• Heartburn
• Food sticking

When to get medical care

Causes

Reflux.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

• Acid reflux (GERD)

Diagnosis

Endoscopy.

Treatment

Treat cause.

Self-care

• Take pills with water and stay upright
• Take pills with a full glass of water
• Stay upright 30 minutes after pills
• Avoid late meals

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat reflux

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens and young men: Eosinophilic type is more common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could this be eosinophilic esophagitis?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Esophagitis (inflamed food pipe)