All You Need to Know About Esophagitis

Esophagitis refers to the inflammation of the esophagus (the muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.) Esophagitis may even cause damage to the tissues of the esophagus. The causes of this condition may include stomach acids backing up into the esophagus (acid reflux), an oral infection, and certain medications or allergies. Let us know more about esophagitis: 

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of esophagitis are:

• trouble in swallowing
• sore throat
• pain in the chest 
• hoarse voice
• nausea
• low appetite 
• cough 

Types of Esophagitis

There are majorly four different types of esophagitis: 

1. Eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when there is a high concentration of white blood cells (eosinophils) in the esophagus. This usually happens in response to an allergen. Some of the most common triggers may include:

• milk
• eggs
• tree nuts
• soy
• peanuts
• wheat
• shellfish

2. Reflux esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis refers to the issue caused due to the frequent backflow of acid. This is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This may even cause long-lasting inflammation and constant irritation of the esophagus.

3. Drug-induced esophagitis

Drug-induced esophagitis takes place when certain medications remain in contact with the lining of the esophagus for a long period of time. This usually happens when an individual gulps down pills with little or no water. Pain relievers and antibiotics are some of the medications that may cause drug-induced esophagitis.

4. Infectious esophagitis

Infectious esophagitis is a rare condition and can be caused due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. People with weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing this condition. It is also common in people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes.

We hope that this information will help you get an idea of esophagitis. Also, it is important that one should get diagnosis from one of the best esophagus doctors Delhi or Gurgaon in case they observe any aforementioned symptoms.

An Overview on Esophageal Cancer, its symptoms and Diagnosis

Esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. This tube is ideally eight inches long in most adults, and is lined by a certain pink moist tissue known as mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the heart and the windpipe, and passes through the diaphragm just before entering the stomach. The prime job of the esophagus is to transfer food from the mouth to the stomach.

What is esophageal cancer?

The cancer of the esophagus generally starts in its inner layer. It can spread throughout the other layers of this tube, as well as to other parts of the body (metastasis) as well. There are two major types of esophageal cancers, namely squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.  A person suffering from one of these severe medical conditions should ideally consult the best Esophagus doctor in Delhi for an effective management plan. Being the national capital, this city houses some of the most prominent and state-of-the-art medical facilities where one can get the best possible treatment for ailments such as these.

Factors that may lead to esophageal cancer

There are some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing esophageal cancer, and they are:

· Smoking or other any other form of tobacco abuse

· Heavy alcohol consumption

· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the stomach acids back flow up into the esophagus

· Barrett's esophagus. It is a medical condition that affects the lower area of the esophagus and can lead to esophageal cancer

In addition to this, men, elderly individuals and obese people may also be at a higher risk for esophageal cancer too.

The symptoms of esophageal cancer

In its early stages there might not be many definitive symptoms of this this medical condition. However as the cancer advances, a number of symptom’s can be seen in a patient. They include:

· Difficulty or pain when swallowing

· Weight loss

· Pain in the chest, behind the breastbone

· Coughing

· Hoarseness

· Indigestion and heartburn

In case you notice these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, you should immediately consult one of the best esophagus doctors in Delhi to rule out the development of this dreaded disease. Experienced doctors specializing in various endoscopic procedures can diagnose this condition at the very onset and refer patients to cancer specialists who can then start the treatment to contain the disease.