Esophagitis in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat is esophagitis?
Esophagitis is the term for general inflammation of one's esophagus, the part of the body that delivers food from the mouth to your stomach. It can result from many pre-existing issues like an accumulation of white blood cells known as eosinophils (eosinophilic esophagitis), acid buildup in your esophagus, infection, various medications, or simply allergies.
To be given reputable treatment for this condition, reach out to Washington Gastroenterology to request a consultation with a GI provider in your community. Our specialists offer care for esophagitis in Washington and can provide you with the help you require so that you can have relief.
What causes esophagitis?
An array of factors and conditions can lead to the development of esophagitis. These include:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Infections
- Oral medications (such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories)
- Frequent vomiting
- Allergies
- Acid reflux
To learn more surrounding the various causes of esophagitis and how the gastroenterology specialists at Washington Gastroenterology can provide you with the necessary treatment, connect with a nearby practice and request a consultation.
What are the common signs and symptoms of esophagitis?
Some of the most common symptoms or signs of esophagitis in adults involve:
- Pain with and difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Heartburn
- Food impaction – food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Acid regurgitation
Children can also develop esophagitis. Common indications of this condition in kids could include:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) – failing to grow at a normal pace, malnutrition, etc.
- Difficulty feeding/eating
It is essential to request a consultation with a gastroenterologist at Washington Gastroenterology if symptoms linger beyond a few days, over-the-counter antacid medications fail to provide relief, you have pain when eating, or if your symptoms are accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as a headache, fever, and body aches.
What are the treatment options for esophagitis?
Treatment for esophagitis centers on minimizing the symptoms associated with esophagitis in the individual. The treatment method varies depending on the cause of the condition. Some treatments might involve:
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antibiotics
- Surgery (to strengthen the esophageal sphincter and decrease acid regurgitation)
- Switching medications (if caused by oral medications)
- Antacids (medications that reduce acid production)
- Changes in diet
- Steroids
- Prescription-strength acid reflux medications (H-2 receptor blockers)
- Esophageal dilation (to expand the diameter of the esophagus)
- Antivirals
One main focus of treating and avoiding esophagitis is to diminish acid regurgitation. This could be addressed by avoiding caffeine, mint-flavored foods and drinks, and other foods that initiate acid reflux. Incorporating the following lifestyle changes may also provide relief:
- Proper pill-taking protocols (including eating before taking medication, drinking a fair amount of water with pills, and avoiding lying down after taking medications)
- Losing excess weight
- Quit smoking
- Avoid lying down after eating
Dedicated care for your GI needs
When you need expert care for esophagitis in Washington, our team is here to help. We are a physician-led team of digestive health specialists who understand your GI issues and can offer a treatment approach targeting your symptoms. Request an appointment at your local Washington Gastroenterology now to get started.
Reviews
Today I completed an Esophageal Motility test at this clinic. If you know anything about this test, you know it can be very unpleasant. However, despite my anxieties, the nurse/technician Wendy was patient and calming, making it a bearable procedure, and I was functional the rest of the day! Wendy invited me to come in early, talked me through everything (a week before the test and on the day of it), was collaborative in the process, and was validating of my nerves. She took extra time after the test to talk about what she could see, while also being appropriate with boundaries around needing additional expertise for full evaluation. I highly recommend this clinic if you need this exam (another name for it is High Resolution Manometry).
My husband recently did colonoscopy with Dr Hassig and his team, was very satisfied with their efficient and professional service.
Dr. Edwin Lai was very easy to talk to. Discussions about my condition went smoothly and he helped look for a time slot under any doctor available even if it wasn’t himself to get me booked for a procedure as soon as possible. I’m very glad I came to see him.
Very thorough and great to work with. Thank you
Perfect experience. Thank you so much! No pain no problem
10
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating