Is reflux esophagitis grade B serious?

What is reflux esophagitis grade B? Reflux esophagitis grade B is an inflammatory lesion of the esophagus caused by the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. Endoscopic manifestations include damage to the esophageal mucosa, namely esophageal erosion and/or esophageal ulcer. This disease can occur in any age group, but it is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. It has been on the rise in recent years and needs our attention.

Disease classification

According to the degree of esophageal mucosal damage under endoscopy, reflux esophagitis is divided into four grades: A, B, C, and D. Grade A esophagitis refers to esophageal mucosal damage limited to mucosal folds without fusion; and the length of erosion is less than 5mm. Grade B esophagitis refers to erosion length greater than 5mm. Grade C esophagitis refers to esophageal damage with fusion, but not exceeding 75% of the esophageal circumference. Grade D esophagitis refers to circumferential mucosal damage to the esophagus.

Causes

The prerequisite for causing reflux esophagitis is that gastric contents reflux into the esophagus across the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the esophagus itself cannot clear the refluxed material quickly, causing gastric contents to remain in the esophagus for a long time. Damage factors in gastric contents such as acid, bile acid, and pepsin damage the esophageal mucosa, leading to reflux esophagitis.

Pathogenesis

The pathophysiological basis of reflux esophagitis is esophageal and gastric motility disorder, including esophageal body motility disorder, LES function and gastric motility disorder. In addition to anatomical abnormalities (such as hiatal hernia), the causes of these dysfunctions include certain diseases (such as diabetes), drugs (such as smooth muscle relaxants) and foods (such as high-fat foods, chocolate, coffee) that may lead to LES dysfunction and cause reflux.

Clinical manifestations

Patients with reflux esophagitis show typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, but may also have no reflux symptoms and only show symptoms of indigestion such as upper abdominal pain and discomfort. There was no correlation between the severity of esophagitis and reflux symptoms. The clinical manifestations of patients with severe esophagitis are not necessarily serious.

Classic reflux syndrome refers to heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain caused by reflux. Heartburn refers to a burning sensation behind the sternum radiating to the neck, and regurgitation refers to the reflux of gastric contents into the pharynx or mouth. Reflux symptoms often occur after a full meal, and nocturnal reflux seriously affects the patient's sleep.