Oesophagitis

Oesophagitis

Oesophagitis (pronounced: ee-sof-uh-jahy-tis) is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Etymology

The term "Oesophagitis" is derived from the Greek words "oesophagus" meaning gullet, and "-itis" meaning inflammation.

Definition

Oesophagitis is a condition that involves inflammation and damage to the oesophagus. This inflammation can cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as oesophageal stricture or Barrett's oesophagus.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of oesophagitis include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)

Causes

Oesophagitis can be caused by several factors, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Certain medications
• Allergies
• Ingestion of corrosive substances

Treatment

Treatment for oesophagitis depends on the underlying cause. It may include lifestyle changes, medication, or in severe cases, surgery. Medications used to treat oesophagitis include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids.

Related Terms

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Oesophageal stricture
• Barrett's oesophagus
• Dysphagia
• Odynophagia
• Acid reflux
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2 blockers
• Antacids

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Oesophagitis
• Wikipedia's article - Oesophagitis

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