Esophagitis
Esophagitis is an inflammatory lesion that affects the tissues of the esophagus.
Belonging to the digestive tract, the esophagus represents the duct which (thanks to a peristaltic action) carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
The causes for which it arises are attributable to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infections, autoimmunity, use of certain oral medications and some allergies.
Treatment for esophagitis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the tissue damage. A diet for gastroesophageal reflux is most often required.
If left untreated, esophagitis can damage the mucosa, interfere with normal esophageal function, and induce various complications (scarring, strictures, and difficulty swallowing).
Esophagitis and GERD
Normally, the acidic contents of the stomach are isolated from the esophagus by a valve structure called the lower esophageal sphincter.
If this valve does not close properly or opens out of time, stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus causing gastroesophageal reflux.
When acid reflux becomes frequent or continuous, the condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The main complications related to this pathology are chronic inflammation and tissue damage. It should be remembered that GERD is related to the onset of Barrett's esophagus, in turn predisposing to esophageal cancer.
Reflux esophagitis
For the prevention and treatment of reflux esophagitis, the most important factor is undoubtedly the dietary and behavioral factor.
Risk factors for reflux esophagitis are:
- Hiatal hernia: sometimes congenital or independent of diet, but other times caused by incorrect nutritional habits
- Night feeding: typical of evening / night workers; for example catering technicians
- Any meals taken before bed (including lunch followed by afternoon sleep)
- Too large portions and meals
- Hardly digestible meals
- Harmful nutritional molecules
- Foods that are too cold or too hot
- smoking
- Tight clothing in the abdomen, especially at meals
- Stomach acidity
- Stress.
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