Esophagitis in New Orleans, LA

Some of the most common signs of esophagitis in adults include:

• Difficulty and pain when swallowing
• Acid reflux
• Food becoming stuck in the esophagus
• Heartburn
• Chest pain

Young children can also experience esophagitis. Common symptoms of esophagitis in kids may involve:

• Difficulty feeding/eating
• Failure to thrive (FTT) (failing to develop at a normal speed, malnutrition, etc.)

You should request a consultation with a gastroenterologist at a local Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates if symptoms linger longer than a few days, over-the-counter antacid medications are not providing relief, you have pain when eating, or if your symptoms are accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, a headache, and body aches.

The treatment strategy for esophagitis centers on reducing the symptoms associated with esophagitis in the patient. The treatment plan will vary according to the reason behind the condition. Some of these treatments may entail:

• Esophageal dilation (to expand the diameter of the esophagus)
• Diet control
• Changing medications (if caused by oral medications)
• Prescription-strength acid reflux medications (H-2 receptor blockers)
• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Surgery (to strengthen the esophageal sphincter and reduce acid reflux)
• Steroids
• Antacids (medications that reduce acid production)

One leading objective of the treatment and prevention of esophagitis is to minimize acid reflux. This can be addressed by avoiding alcohol, caffeine, mint-flavored food items, and additional foods that incite acid regurgitation. Implementing the following lifestyle modifications can also offer relief:

• Avoid lying down following a meal or snack
• Avoid smoking
• Lose weight
• Good pill-taking habits (including eating before taking medication, consuming a fair amount of water with them, and remaining upright after taking pills)