Esophagitis (Esophagitis)

An esophagitis can be acute or chronic. Most commonly, a chronically inflamed esophagus is caused by recurrent reflux, but sometimes infectious or mechanical. If chemical burns or injuries from sharp objects occur, acute esophagitis is an emergency.

contents

• Typical symptom: heartburn
• Causes of the inflammation
• Conventional, naturopathic and general measures
• Mechanical influence possibilities

Typical symptom: heartburn

Symptoms of an esophagitis can be among other things

• heartburn,
• sour belching,
• Dysphagia or
• Burning be behind the breastbone.

The symptoms usually appear after eating, when stooping, pressing and lying on reinforced. Sometimes it comes to the formation of ulcers. Persistent inflammation can also lead to an atypical change in the esophageal mucosa (Barrett's esophagus), which may be the pathway for esophageal carcinoma (so-called precancerosis)..

Heartburn or difficulty swallowing can be symptoms of an inflamed esophagus. (Image: ALDECAstudio / fotolia.com)

Causes of the inflammation

Chronic esophagitis is usually caused by the chronic reflux of acidic, aggressive gastric contents into the esophagus, also known as reflux disease. If the mucosal lining of the esophagus is attacked, it leads to inflammatory processes. This so-called reflux oesophagitis is the most common esophageal disease.

Infectious esophagitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Most commonly, it is caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans (thrush esophagitis). Other diseases can be the cause of a gullet disease. These include:

• Sinusitis,
• tonsillitis,
• bronchitis,
• Scarlet fever and
• diphtheria.

The physical causes of infectious esophagitis are manifold. Thus, injuries to the esophagus by ingestion of foreign bodies such as herringbone or fruit cores may be the trigger, but also irradiation sequences or examinations by means of stomach tubes.

Acute inflammation of the esophagus occurs through the swallowing of corrosive acids or alkalis. In this case, an ambulance is to be organized or to inquire quickly with the responsible poison control center. Affected persons should not be vomited, since further chemical burns can occur elsewhere.

Conventional, naturopathic and general measures

The treatment is usually based on a drug therapy, but in addition, naturopathic approaches and general measures may be helpful.

Classic medicine

Conventionally, acid inhibitors (antacids), preparations for promoting gastric emptying, and medications have been used that increase muscle tone in the stomach. Operatively, the gastric inlet is narrowed when it comes to complications or no medication.

Naturopathy

In naturopathic practice, acute relief is also provided by means of symptomatic treatment, namely healing clay or base powder. In addition, mucilaginous and tannin-rich medicinal plants are used to protect the mucous membrane and anti-inflammatory, digestive and muscle-strengthening plant drugs. For example, yarrow, calamus root and chamomile tea can help in healing an inflamed esophagus.

Rinsing or gargling with healing clay can help relieve the inflammation. (Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com)

General measures

Complaints-enhancing drugs such as Anti-inflammatory drugs should eventually be discontinued in consultation with the attending physician. By taking into account general measures, in particular for sleeping and eating behavior, the conditions for the development of reflux disease are also reduced. For the self-treatment of heartburn, there are also various options in natural medicine.

Mechanical influence possibilities

The stomach is attached to the diaphragm. In stress states, those affected always remain in the inhalation. This means that the diaphragm is under tension and can transmit it to the stomach. Presumably, the pacemaker cells for gastric acid production in the upper two-thirds of the stomach can be irritated and more acid. A mechanical relief of this region in the form of a relaxation could be achieved by exhaling.

In osteopathy, pressure on the diaphragm brings it into a more relaxed exhalation position. Frequently, an audible and noticeable reaction can already take place. In the long term, it is important for those affected to help the area return to harmonious, symptom-free functioning through increased exhalation. Since a mechanical (esophagus runs between cervical spine and diaphragm) and neural (nerve of the diaphragm comes from the 3rd to 5th cervical vertebra) exists between diaphragm-gastric junction, also the conditions in the cervical spine are to be examined and treated if necessary. (jvs, tf, ok, updated on 19/03/2018)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)