GeneHealth - Your precision medicine

Oesophagitis

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Buy Membership

Description: Oesophagitis is the inflammation of the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Type: Oesophagitis is primarily an inflammatory condition of the esophagus rather than a genetic disorder. It is often caused by factors such as acid reflux (commonly seen in gastroesophageal reflux disease), infections, medications, or allergies (e.g., eosinophilic esophagitis). Therefore, it does not have a specific type of genetic transmission. However, certain underlying conditions that may predispose to oesophagitis, like eosinophilic esophagitis, can have genetic components and familial patterns.
Signs And Symptoms: The symptoms of esophagitis include:
Heartburn – a burning sensation in the lower mid-chest
Nausea
Dysphagia – swallowing is painful, with difficulty passing or inability to pass food through the esophagus
Vomiting (emesis)
Abdominal pain
Cough
Prognosis: The prognosis for a person with esophagitis depends on the underlying causes and conditions. If a patient has a more serious underlying cause such as a digestive system or immune system issue, it may be more difficult to treat. Normally, the prognosis would be good with no serious illnesses. If there are more causes than one, the prognosis could move to fair.
Onset: Oesophagitis, the inflammation of the esophagus, can present with various onsets depending on the underlying cause. Common causes include acid reflux, infections, medications, or allergens. Symptom onset can be sudden in cases like infectious oesophagitis or more gradual with chronic conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Prevalence: The prevalence of esophagitis (oesophagitis) can vary depending on the population and underlying causes. It is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Studies suggest that around 10-20% of individuals in Western countries experience GERD-related symptoms weekly, with a significant portion developing varying degrees of esophagitis. Accurate global prevalence rates are more challenging to determine due to differences in diagnostic criteria and population studies.
Epidemiology: **Epidemiology of Oesophagitis:**

Oesophagitis refers to inflammation of the oesophagus. Its prevalence varies widely depending on the underlying cause, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infections, medications, and eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).

1. **GERD-related Oesophagitis:**
- GERD is a major cause of oesophagitis. It affects around 10-20% of the Western population.
- Prevalence is higher in adults than children.

2. **Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE):**
- Estimated prevalence in Western countries is about 0.5-1 case per 1,000 people.
- More common in males and often diagnosed in children and young adults.

3. **Infectious Oesophagitis:**
- More common in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or organ transplant recipients.
- Candida, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus are common infectious agents.

4. **Medication-induced Oesophagitis:**
- Caused by direct mucosal injury from certain medications or due to prolonged contact (e.g., pills getting stuck in the oesophagus).
- Risk factors include elderly patients, those with motility disorders, or taking medications like NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, or certain antibiotics.

Understanding the epidemiology of oesophagitis helps in targeting preventive measures and optimizing treatment strategies.
Intractability: Oesophagitis is not inherently intractable. It often responds well to treatment, which can include medications such as proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and H2 receptor blockers, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes. However, if the underlying causes (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, infections, or certain medications) are not effectively managed, symptoms may persist or recur, making it seem more challenging to control.
Disease Severity: Disease severity for oesophagitis can vary widely. Mild cases may involve discomfort and heartburn, while severe cases can lead to significant pain, difficulty swallowing, and complications such as ulcers, strictures, or Barrett's oesophagus.
Healthcare Professionals: Disease Ontology ID - DOID:11963
Pathophysiology: Oesophagitis, also known as esophagitis, is the inflammation of the esophagus. The pathophysiology of oesophagitis typically involves damage to the esophageal lining due to various causes. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. Other causes can include infections (such as Candida or herpes), certain medications (like NSAIDs), allergies (eosinophilic esophagitis), and physical injury (e.g., from nasogastric tubes). Chronic inflammation can lead to complications such as strictures, Barrett's esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Carrier Status: Oesophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus, does not have a carrier status as it is not a transmissible or inherited condition. It is typically caused by factors such as acid reflux, infections, medications, or physical injury to the esophagus.
Mechanism: The esophagus is a muscular tube made of both voluntary and involuntary muscles. It is responsible for peristalsis of food. It is about 8 inches long and passes through the diaphragm before entering the stomach. The esophagus is made up of three layers: from the inside out, they are the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa. The mucosa, the inner most layer and lining of the esophagus, is composed of stratified squamous epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. At the end of the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.
If the sphincter is not sufficiently tight, it may allow acid to enter the esophagus, causing inflammation of one or more layers. Esophagitis may also occur if an infection is present, which may be due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi; or by diseases that affect the immune system.Irritation can be caused by GERD, vomiting, surgery, medications, hernias, and radiation injury. Inflammation can cause the esophagus to narrow, which makes swallowing food difficult and may result in food bolus impaction.
Treatment: Oesophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus, is commonly treated through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions:

1. **Lifestyle Changes**:
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger symptoms (e.g., acidic, spicy, or fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine).
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals.
- Elevating the head of the bed to reduce nighttime symptoms.
- Not lying down immediately after eating.

2. **Medications**:
- **Antacids**: Neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief.
- **H2 Receptor Blockers**: Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
- **Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)**: Stronger acid reducers (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole).
- **Prokinetics**: Enhance motility of the esophagus and stomach (e.g., metoclopramide).

3. **Surgery**:
- **Fundoplication**: A surgical procedure to reinforce the valve between the esophagus and stomach to prevent acid reflux.
- **Esophageal Dilation**: If esophagitis has caused a stricture, this procedure widens the esophagus.

Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential for personalized treatment options.
Compassionate Use Treatment: For oesophagitis, some off-label or experimental treatments include:

1. **Biologics**: Agents like infliximab or vedolizumab have been explored, particularly for cases related to inflammatory bowel disease.
2. **Dietary therapies**: Elemental diets or elimination diets are occasionally used, especially in eosinophilic oesophagitis.
3. **Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)**: Though a standard treatment for GERD, higher doses or different PPIs can be tried experimentally.
4. **Steroids**: Topical corticosteroids, like fluticasone or budesonide, are used off-label for eosinophilic oesophagitis.
5. **Immunotherapy**: Therapies targeting specific immune pathways, although still largely experimental.

It's essential to consult healthcare professionals for informed and safe treatment strategies.
Lifestyle Recommendations: - **Lifestyle Recommendations for Oesophagitis**:
1. **Dietary Changes**: Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the esophagus, such as spicy foods, acidic foods (like citrus and tomatoes), caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
2. **Eat Smaller Meals**: Have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
3. **Elevate Head While Sleeping**: Use extra pillows or a wedge to keep your head elevated while sleeping to prevent acid reflux.
4. **Avoid Lying Down After Eating**: Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed to prevent reflux.
5. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking can worsen oesophagitis by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and increasing acid production.
6. **Maintain Healthy Weight**: Losing excess weight can help reduce pressure on the abdomen and lower esophageal sphincter.
7. **Wear Loose Clothing**: Avoid tight clothing around the waist and abdomen to reduce pressure on your stomach and esophagus.
8. **Manage Stress**: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so incorporating stress-management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises may help.

- **Nan**: No information available for this term.
Medication: Oesophagitis, the inflammation of the esophagus, can be treated with several medications depending on the underlying cause. Common treatments include:

1. **Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)**: Medications such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole that reduce stomach acid production.
2. **H2 Receptor Antagonists**: Examples include ranitidine and famotidine, which also decrease acid production.
3. **Antacids**: Over-the-counter options like calcium carbonate can neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief.
4. **Sucralfate**: A medication that can coat and protect the lining of the esophagus.
5. **Corticosteroids**: For eosinophilic esophagitis, medications like prednisone might be prescribed to reduce inflammation caused by eosinophils.
6. **Antibiotics/Antivirals/Antifungals**: If the esophagitis is due to an infection, appropriate antimicrobial treatment is required, such as fluconazole for fungal infections.

Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Repurposable Drugs: For oesophagitis, repurposable drugs include:

1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole)
2. H2 Receptor Antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine)
3. Antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide)
4. Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide, domperidone)

Understanding nan might refer to novel nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems which are currently being researched to enhance the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of traditional medications. However, as of now, these are mostly in experimental stages.
Metabolites: Oesophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus, can involve several metabolic changes and markers. Key metabolites often altered include gastric acid, bile acids, cytokines, and reactive oxygen species. Specific metabolic markers can vary depending on the underlying cause of the oesophagitis, such as acid reflux, infection, or medication use. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are commonly observed. Nitric oxide production can also be increased, contributing to tissue damage and inflammation.
Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and aloe vera, may provide some benefits in managing symptoms of oesophagitis by reducing inflammation and promoting mucosal healing. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before integrating any nutraceuticals into your treatment regimen.
Peptides: Oesophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus. Peptides might have therapeutic potential in treating this condition due to their roles in various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects, mucosal healing, and modulation of immune responses. However, specific peptide-based treatments for oesophagitis remain an area of ongoing research.