Treating acid reflux helps esophagitis pain
DEAR DR. K: I have esophagitis. Could this have been caused by my acid reflux? What can I do about it?
DEAR READER: Yes, it could, and there are treatments.
Sometimes the lining of your esophagus becomes inflamed — esophagitis. By far the most common cause of esophagitis is acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A muscular ring, the esophageal sphincter, sits at the bottom of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. Normally, the sphincter opens when you swallow, allowing food into your stomach, then closes tightly. In most people with GERD, however, the esophageal sphincter does not seal tightly. As a result, acid and digestive enzymes from the stomach flow backward into the esophagus and irritate its lining.
Esophagitis causes several bothersome symptoms. Pain — in the throat or behind the breastbone — is a common symptom. The pain can be burning, heavy or sharp, and it may
be worse after meals or when you lie down. Swallowing problems are also common.
To treat esophagitis caused by acid reflux, you have to treat the acid reflux. Start with lifestyle changes:
Lose weight if necessary. Being overweight causes more acid reflux.
Eat small meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.
Don’t lie down right after eating, since your stomach makes more acid during meals.
Cut out cigarettes and alcohol, both of which stimulate acid production.
Identify and avoid foods that cause symptoms. Common culprits include caffeine, chocolate, peppermint and high-fat foods.
Your doctor will likely prescribe acid-blocking medication as well. Examples include H2-blockers and proton-pump inhibitors.
Your symptoms should begin to improve within days of starting the right treatment, but it can take weeks for symptoms to go away completely. In the meantime, your doctor can prescribe pain relievers.