Symptoms of esophageal erosion

Esophageal erosion refers to a phenomenon in which people have a strong burning sensation in their esophagus, which leads to inflammation of the esophagus and ulceration of the esophagus. Esophageal erosion is generally caused by gastric acid reflux into the throat, which causes the throat to be corroded by acid. Patients with esophageal erosions will have great difficulty swallowing, so they need to drink plenty of nutritious food. So, what are the symptoms of esophageal erosion?

1. Burning or pain behind the sternum

It is the main symptom of this disease. Symptoms usually occur about 1 hour after eating, and can be induced by semi-recumbent position, forward bending or strenuous exercise. They usually disappear after taking antacids, but overheated or overly acidic food can aggravate them. For those who lack gastric acid, the burning sensation is mainly caused by bile reflux, so taking antacids will have no effect. The severity of the burning sensation does not necessarily correspond to the severity of the lesion. In severe esophagitis, especially in those with scarring, there may be no or only a mild burning sensation.

(ii) Gastric and esophageal reflux

After every meal, when lying forward, or sleeping in bed at night, acidic liquid or food refluxes from the stomach and esophagus into the pharynx or mouth. This symptom often appears before the burning sensation or burning pain behind the sternum.

(III) Difficulty in swallowing

In the early stages, intermittent dysphagia may often occur due to secondary esophageal spasm caused by esophagitis. In the later stage, due to the formation of esophageal scarring and stricture, the burning sensation and burning pain gradually decrease and are replaced by permanent dysphagia. Eating solid food may cause a feeling of blockage or pain in the xiphoid process.

(IV) Bleeding and anemia

Severe esophagitis may cause esophageal mucosal erosion and bleeding, usually chronic small amounts of bleeding

treat

According to the different causes, choose the corresponding treatment principle

1. Eliminate the cause of the disease.

2. Gastric acid inhibitors and mucosal protective agents.

3. When there is concurrent infection, antibiotics (bacterial, fungal) will be given for treatment.

4. Provide hemostatic treatment (including endoscopic) when bleeding occurs.

5. When symptoms of stenosis or obstruction occur, endoscopic dilation and stent placement may be considered.