What are the treatment methods for esophagitis?
Disease description:
I always feel it difficult and painful to swallow when eating. After eating, I also experience heartburn and severe chest pain. After going to the hospital for examination, the doctor diagnosed me with esophagitis. I would like to ask the doctor: what are the treatment options for esophagitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Esophagitis, also known as esophageal inflammation, can be treated as follows:
1. Medication: For esophagitis caused by acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists are the first-line medications, as they reduce gastric acid secretion and promote healing of the esophageal mucosa. If the esophagitis is caused by a fungal infection, such as candida esophagitis, antifungal medications are required.
2. Lifestyle modifications: Patients are advised to adjust their lifestyle habits to alleviate symptoms. This includes avoiding spicy, greasy foods and alcohol; remaining upright for at least 2 hours after meals; not eating within 3 hours before bedtime; losing weight; quitting smoking, and so on.
3. Surgical treatment: Patients who do not respond to medication or who develop severe complications may need to consider surgical intervention. For example, endoscopic dilation or stent placement may be performed to address esophageal stricture.
4. Psychological support: Chronic esophagitis may lead to anxiety or depression, and providing appropriate psychological support and counseling is also part of the treatment plan.
During the treatment process, patients should actively cooperate with the treatment plan outlined by their physician and attend follow-up appointments regularly to allow timely adjustments to the treatment strategy and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
