Version July 2025
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What is esophagitis? —
"Esophagitis" means inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (figure 1).
Sometimes, esophagitis starts suddenly and lasts only for a short time. This is called "acute" esophagitis. Other times, esophagitis lasts for months or years. This is called "chronic" esophagitis.
What causes esophagitis? —
Many things can cause it, including:
●Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease ("GERD") – This is when the acid that is normally in the stomach backs up into the esophagus.
●Vomiting
●Certain medicines – This might be from the effects of the medicine or from actually swallowing the pill. For example, swallowing certain types of pills without water can irritate the esophagus.
●Infection
●Allergies – In 1 type of esophagitis, the esophagus has cells called "eosinophils" in it. This is called "eosinophilic esophagitis." Doctors think that it might be caused by allergies, especially food allergies.
What are the symptoms of esophagitis? —
Symptoms for adults and teens can include:
●Trouble swallowing, or pain when swallowing
●Heartburn – This is a burning feeling in the chest.
●Regurgitation – This is when acid and undigested food flow back into the throat or mouth.
Some adults and teens with esophagitis have other symptoms, too. These can include belly or chest pain, raspy voice and sore throat, or a cough.
Babies and children might have different symptoms than adults. Their symptoms might also include:
●Feeding or eating problems, such as refusing to eat solid foods
●Nausea or vomiting
●Belly pain
Will I need tests? —
Your doctor or nurse will start by asking about your symptoms and doing an exam. Symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation can often be treated with medicines and do not need further testing. But people whose symptoms do not improve with medicine, or who have trouble swallowing or pain with swallowing, often need tests.
Tests to find out the cause of esophagitis might include:
●Endoscopy – The doctor uses a thin tube with a camera on the end, called an "endoscope." They put the endoscope into your mouth and down into your esophagus (figure 2). This lets them see the inside of your esophagus.
●Biopsy – The doctor takes a small sample of tissue from your esophagus. Then, another doctor looks at the tissue sample under a microscope.
●Barium swallow – The doctor gives you a drink called "barium." Then, they take an X-ray as the barium moves down your esophagus. The barium shows up on the X-ray.
●Lab tests to check for signs of infection
How is esophagitis treated? —
Treatment depends on what exactly is causing the esophagitis.
Possible treatments might include:
●Medicines that reduce or block stomach acids
●Medicines to treat an infection
●Switching a medicine
For eosinophilic esophagitis, the doctor might recommend avoiding certain foods you might be allergic to. Or they might prescribe a medicine called a "steroid."
What can I do on my own to feel better? —
You might feel better if you:
●Avoid foods that might make your esophagitis worse – If you have GERD, these might include coffee, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, and fatty foods. Ask your doctor for a full list of foods you should avoid. If you have eosinophilic esophagitis, your doctor might recommend avoiding other foods.
●Don't eat right before bed – Lying down with a full stomach can make symptoms worse. Try to eat your meals at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
●Take pills with at least 4 ounces of water or another drink.
●Sit upright or stand when you swallow a pill – You should also stay upright for 10 to 30 minutes after swallowing it.
●Keep a healthy weight – Talk to your doctor or nurse about whether a change in your weight might improve your symptoms.
●Stop smoking, if you smoke – Smoking can make your symptoms worse.
●Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches – You can do this by putting blocks of wood or rubber under the 2 legs at the head of the bed, or by putting a foam wedge under the mattress.
●Sleep on your left side.
Patient education: Eosinophilic esophagitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Gastritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Spitting up and GERD in babies (The Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Upper endoscopy (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Barrett's esophagus (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and adolescents (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux) in babies (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Upper endoscopy (Beyond the Basics)
