Symptoms of Erosive Esophagitis
Erosive esophagitis is a disease that occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. Although the stomach’s lining protects the stomach from powerful acids, the lining of the esophagus is not designed for this type of protection. As a result, an esophagus that is repeatedly exposed to stomach acid can often become damage and lead to further health complications, including esophageal cancer in rare cases.
Symptoms of erosive esophagitis include:
- Heartburn (a burning sensation behind the breastbone)
- Vomiting blood (may resemble coffee grounds)
- Blood in the stool
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or sensation of having something stuck in your throat
- Persistent cough
- Problems breathing
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, including heartburn that occurs two or more times per week, you may have erosive esophagitis or GERD. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medication, or prescription medication. Further testing may also be done to rule out other possibly underlying causes, especially if you are experiencing bleeding or respiratory problems.
Lifestyle changes that may resolve your symptoms include:
- Eating smaller meals
- Eating more slowly
- Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes
- Eating a high protein, high carbohydrate, low fat diet
- Losing weight
- Waiting 2 to 3 hours after eating before laying down
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or prevent further damage to the esophagus. Surgery can also be done to prevent acid reflux.